French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Syria for a two-day visit, described by multiple outlets as the first trip to Damascus by a Western European head of state since Bashar al-Assad is overthrown in 2024. The Syrian presidency announces the visit as a diplomatic step focused on strengthening bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest. Macron is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. His office says the programme also includes engagement with diverse groups in Syria.
Several reports frame the visit as a milestone for Syria’s international repositioning following the change in leadership, with Bloomberg and others noting that Macron is the first European Union leader to visit since the Assad regime’s fall. France 24 adds context around the timing and compares it with earlier French engagement, including a past visit by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009. France 24 also reports Macron may be accompanied by a delegation that includes investors and representatives of French companies. Other outlets emphasize the visit is intended to open or deepen ties under the new Syrian authorities.
