Emmanuel Macron arrives in Syria – first Western European leader since Assad's fall
French President Emmanuel Macron made a landmark visit to Damascus, expressing France's commitment to Syria's sovereignty and diversity, and pushing for stability and reconstruction.
Macron in Syria: First Western European leader since Assad's ouster
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening, becoming the first Western European head of state to visit Syria since the new authorities took power in December 2024. He was welcomed at the airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Macron stated that his visit aims to express France's solidarity with the Syrian people and support for a sovereign, united, and peaceful Syria.
Syria's state news agency SANA described the visit as a "pivotal step" in restoring Syria's international presence. This is the first French presidential visit since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, shortly before Assad's regime intensified its brutal crackdown that led to over a decade of civil war.
Macron had previously hosted Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in May 2025 during al-Sharaa's first official visit to an EU country, which was followed by trips to Berlin and Washington. Al-Sharaa, formerly the leader of the terrorist group al-Nusra Front and once under extensive sanctions, rose to power quickly, with Macron being a key advocate for lifting those sanctions.
Security situation remains tense
Although significantly improved, the security situation in Syria remains fragile more than 18 months after Assad's fall. A bomb blast at a Damascus cafe last week killed 10 people, and attacks on religious minorities have been blamed on Islamic State militants. The government's forces also have a difficult relationship with Kurdish forces in the north and east.
During the visit, Macron is expected to press al-Sharaa on protecting minorities. The French presidency said Macron would advocate for "a free, pluralist Syria that respects each of its components." The fight against IS and the presence of a handful of French jihadis in Syria are also likely to be discussed.
Return of archaeological artifacts
France announced that Macron would return 23 archaeological artifacts from various civilizations, which were loaned to the Arab World Institute in Paris in 2010 and could not be returned due to the civil war.
Macron is accompanied by key business leaders, including CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saade and TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne, highlighting the importance of reconstruction and investment security in the talks.
Al-Sharaa, whose main backer during the conflict was Turkey, is expected at this week's NATO summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump plans to speak with him on the sidelines.
