Macron Visits Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Signs Visitor Register with Al-Shar

On Monday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, accompanied by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar. Both leaders inscribed their signatures in the mosque's visitor register.

Macron expressed his pleasure at visiting the grand Umayyad Mosque, highlighting the symbolic significance of the site within a city that holds centuries of history, civilizations, and religions.

In his message recorded in the mosque’s guestbook, Macron wrote: "In this place, Roman temples and Christian churches bear witness to this ancient heritage, while the unity of the Syrian people forms the binding thread of its history."

He added, "In these difficult days faced by the region, Syria rises thanks to its people, their unity, and their aspirations for the future. France stands here alongside you. With my sincere friendship."

At the start of his visit to Syria, which began the previous day, Macron stated that he had come to reaffirm France’s commitment to supporting "a united and sovereign Syria." He said, "I have come to confirm France’s commitment to support the Syrian people in establishing a united and sovereign Syria that will uphold pluralism and peace with its neighbors."

The French president also announced his intention to discuss the transitional period in Syria with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed Al-Shar.

Macron arrived in Syria accompanied by a delegation of French businessmen who will participate in a roundtable meeting dedicated to Syria’s reconstruction.