Macron in Damascus

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening, the first Western European head of state to visit since Syria's new authorities took power in December 2024. He was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani and signalled a desire to open 'a new chapter of stability and peace' while reaffirming France's commitment to a sovereign, pluralist Syria. The visit follows earlier trips this year by EU and other leaders and comes after Macron hosted President Ahmed al‑Sharaa in Paris in May 2025 amid French efforts to ease sanctions and restore diplomatic ties.

Macron's programme is expected to focus on security, protection of minorities, the fight against Islamic State, the presence of French jihadis in Syria, and conditions for reconstruction and investment; senior business figures from CMA CGM and TotalEnergies accompanied him. The Elysee said he will hold informal talks with al‑Sharaa ahead of official meetings and announced the return of 23 archaeological artefacts. The trip comes amid continuing instability — a recent cafe bombing killed 10 people and clashes with Kurdish forces and attacks on minorities persist — and precedes al‑Sharaa's expected appearance at a NATO summit where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump, as reported by Deutsche Welle