Macron becomes first EU leader to visit Syria after Assad’s fall
French President Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Damascus for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The leaders of the two countries will discuss security, TotalEnergies investments, and the return of artifacts, according to Deutsche Welle.
Macron immediately outlined the purpose of his visit. He aims to support the Syrian people in building a sovereign and peaceful state.
"I have come to express France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors," Macron stated.
Earlier this year, Damascus was already visited by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Syrian side calls Macron's visit a key step in restoring its international standing.
From sanctions to investments
Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is actively building ties with the West. He previously led the al-Nusra Front and was subject to tough sanctions. However, Macron was among those who called for lifting the restrictions to begin a new chapter.
French presidents have not visited Syria since 2009. At that time, the country was still ruled by dictator Assad. After the brutal crackdown on protests, Syria plunged into a decade-long civil war. Now, Paris is trying to establish a dialogue with the new authorities.
Macron did not come alone but was accompanied by influential businessmen. Among them are the head of the oil giant TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné, and the chairman of the logistics company CMA CGM, Rodolphe Saadé. French businesses are cautiously studying investment opportunities.
Key topics of the talks:
- Restoration of the country's infrastructure;
- Security guarantees for foreign investors;
- Protection of religious and ethnic minorities;
- The fight against Islamic State militants.
France has prepared a symbolic gift. Macron will return 23 valuable archaeological artifacts to Syria. Among them are items from Roman, Byzantine, and Palmyrene civilizations. They were loaned for an exhibition in Paris back in 2010. Due to the war, the artifacts could not be returned earlier.
It is expected that after Macron's visit, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will head to Ankara for the NATO summit. There, he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump. Syria has already joined the international coalition against ISIS, which opens the door for broader cooperation.
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