Macron Affirms France's Support for Sovereign, United Syria During Damascus Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening, marking the first visit by a leader of a major Western country since President Ahmed Al-Shar'a assumed power in late 2024 following the overthrow of the former President Bashar Al-Assad's regime. Upon arrival, Macron declared France's commitment to supporting a sovereign and united Syria.

In his remarks, Macron stated, "I have come to reaffirm France's commitment to stand alongside the Syrian people for a sovereign, united Syria with its diversity, enjoying peace with its neighbors. Let us together open a new page of stability and peace."

The Élysée Palace informed journalists that Macron’s visit, which will continue until Tuesday, aims to support "a free and pluralistic Syria that respects all its components and plays a role in easing tensions in the Middle East." The palace maintained secrecy about the timing of the visit prior to the plane's landing, with Western media attributing this to likely security concerns.

Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani received President Macron and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival at Damascus International Airport.

The visit symbolizes a transition in Syrian-French relations to a new phase based on mutual respect and balanced partnership, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Following the end of the previous regime and the beginning of a new era in Damascus, the pace of opening relations between Damascus and Paris accelerated, culminating in the announcement of Macron’s visit to Syria. Some French media described the visit as historic, potentially marking a turning point toward establishing a new strategic partnership that ends a long period of isolation and severed ties.

President Ahmed Al-Shar'a visited France on May 7 of last year at the invitation of President Macron, who at that time affirmed France's support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed his intention to work toward lifting all European sanctions.

During his visit to Paris, President Al-Shar'a emphasized Syria’s keenness to strengthen bonds of friendship serving the common interests of both peoples.

It is noteworthy that the last visit by a French president to Syria occurred in 2009, when former President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Damascus. This was followed by a rupture in relations after the violent suppression of protests by the previous regime in 2011, which escalated into a devastating conflict resulting in over half a million deaths.