Emmanuel Macron made history as the first Western European leader to visit Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024. He landed in Damascus Monday evening for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Macron arrived at Damascus International Airport,where Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani greeted him. This visit comes right before the NATO summit in Ankara. Both leaders will join discussions with other global figures,including U.S. President Donald Trump.
On X,Macron stressed France's commitment to unified,peaceful Syria,stating, “I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.” He brings a business delegation to explore investment opportunities and discuss regional security.
Macron hosted al-Sharaa in Paris back in May 2025,pushing for lifting of old sanctions against Syria. Many sanctions are now gone,showing France's shift toward Syria's new leadership. Despite doubts from other Western nations over al-Sharaa's conservative ways and ties to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,France stays supportive.
Western governments worry about women and minorities under new regime and if Syria can transition democratically. The country is still reeling from 13 years of war . Reconstruction needs are vast,requiring billions as much of Syria lies in ruins,with millions in poverty.
NATO summit looms. Macron's visit might ripple beyond Syria,shaping talks on security and investment in region…
