Visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties as economic cooperation and regional issues top agenda
DAMASCUS: Syria announced on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit the country, marking the first trip by a Western European head of state since the 2024 overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, citing the presidency’s media office, Macron’s visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of mutual interest. Although officials did not specify the date of the visit, they said the French president would be accompanied by a delegation that includes investors and representatives of major French companies.
Syrian authorities said the visit is expected to promote economic cooperation while providing an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments affecting both countries.
Diplomatic engagement gathers momentum
Macron’s planned trip follows a series of high-level international visits to Damascus since President Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed office after the change in government. Earlier this year, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the first foreign head of state to visit the Syrian capital under the new administration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also travelled to Syria in January, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in April. However, Macron will become the first serving leader of a European Union member state to make an official visit since the political transition.
Previously, Macron hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris, signalling growing diplomatic engagement between France and Syria.
Security remains a concern
The announcement comes only days after a bombing at a café in central Damascus killed 10 people, underscoring the security challenges that continue to face the country despite political changes.
French and Syrian officials are expected to discuss regional stability, economic reconstruction and broader international cooperation during the visit. Analysts view the trip as a significant diplomatic milestone that could pave the way for expanded European engagement with Syria’s new leadership following years of conflict and international isolation.
