Macron to Visit Damascus: First Western Leader Since Assad’s Fall

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Damascus for a round-table with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The Syrian Presidency’s media directorate says a French business delegation will accompany him. No date is given; the trip follows his NATO summit in Ankara.

Macron expected to visit Syria for talks with Al-SharaaMacron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus SaysUsNews and World Reporti24NEWSNBC NewsMacron travels to Al Shara's Syria after Assad's fallFrench President Macron to visit Syria for talks on bilateral ties, presidency saysThe Jerusalem Post

France’s historic ties to Syria stem from the French Mandate (1923-1946). After Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December 2024, France re-engaged, hosting al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025. Macron pledged to lobby the EU and US to lift sanctions, which were later largely removed by U.S. legislation and a UN Security Council decision.

Macron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says

The fourteen-year war caused roughly 500,000 deaths and displaced millions. The World Bank estimates reconstruction at $216 billion; the UN says 16.5 million Syrians—about 70 %—need aid. Infrastructure remains in ruins, and “hundreds of billions of dollars” are still required.

Macron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says

The Syrian Presidency’s media directorate said talks will address “regional and international developments” and cooperation across sectors. The French presidential palace declined comment. The May 2025 Paris meeting reaffirmed respect for Syria’s sovereignty and reconstruction support.

French President Macron to visit Syria for talks on bilateral ties, presidency saysThe Jerusalem PostNBC NewsMacron expected to visit Syria for talks with Al-Sharaai24NEWSUsNews and World ReportMacron travels to Al Shara's Syria after Assad's fallMacron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says

Israeli ministers have called the new Syrian administration an “enemy state” and warned of targeting al-Sharaa. Some Israeli commentators warned of a potential “Sunni” alliance linking Syria with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Human Rights Watch noted identity-based violence.

The Jerusalem Post

No specific date for Macron’s visit is provided. Reports differ on whether sanctions are fully lifted. Al-Sharaa is described variously as a “former Islamist leader,” “jihadist commander,” and “interim President.”

Macron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says

• “scheduled to hold a roundtable meeting with their respective delegations, according to the statement,” — SANA

The Jerusalem Post

• “both sides reaffirmed the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts, and broadening cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” — SANA

The Jerusalem Post

• “Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani in Doha on Saturday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and review the latest regional developments,” — Syrian state media

The Jerusalem Post

• “Sunni” alliance of Syria, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia — Israeli commentators (as reported by Jpost)

The Jerusalem Post

The trip signals Syria’s move from isolation toward engagement by a major Western power. It offers French firms a foothold in reconstruction while testing the transitional government’s legitimacy amid regional tensions. The engagement also reflects broader competition for influence in the post-war Middle East.

Macron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says

Macron will attend the NATO summit in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the Damascus side trip may occur. Further diplomatic visits by European and regional leaders are expected.

Macron to Become First Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad’s Fall, Damascus Says