Macron’s Historic Visit to Post-Assad Syria

On 6 July 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Damascus, the first EU head of state in Syria since rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and a business delegation, he met Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and President al-Sharaa, visited the Umayyad Mosque and then headed to the NATO summit in Ankara on 8 July.

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The 13-year civil war that began in 2011 killed over half a million, devastated infrastructure and left millions impoverished. After Assad’s fall, former al-Qaida commander Ahmed al-Sharaa promised a pluralist, sovereign Syria. Western sanctions were largely lifted after Macron’s 2025 lobbying; the EU removed all economic sanctions in May 2025 but kept targeted measures on former Assad officials.

Al Jazeera (website)

Macron posted on X: “I am here to affirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people… For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours.” The visit aims to support a free, pluralist Syria and reconstruction. SANA called it “a pivotal step in restoring Syria’s international presence.” President al-Sharaa pledged French cooperation on infrastructure and finance.

Emmanuel Macron Arrives in Damascus for First Post-Assad Western European Visit: 29 Sources (Western Mainstream: 10) | NewsCordWIONTRT WorldExpress TribuneMacron arrives in Damascus as 1st Western leader to visit post-Assad Syria

Human-rights groups warn al-Sharaa’s former al-Qaida role undermines confidence in pluralism; sectarian attacks on Alawite and Druze groups in 2025 and a café bombing that killed ten people raise security doubts. Critics caution against Syrian involvement in Lebanon, which France has urged al-Sharaa to avoid, and note France’s earlier support for Kurdish autonomy, seen as a misstep that strained ties with Turkey and Israel. The EU’s partial sanction lift, retaining measures on former Assad officials, reflects lingering skepticism.

Japan Today

Most sources say Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2009 visit was the last French presidential trip, though one report lists 2008. The EU’s May 2025 sanction removal is described as a full lift, but targeted sanctions on former Assad officials and individuals remained.

Times of Israel

Macron and al-Sharaa will attend the NATO summit in Ankara on 8 July, where al-Sharaa is slated to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. Syria’s postponed parliament is expected to convene later in 2026, and French-Syrian business talks aim to sign memoranda of understanding on reconstruction projects.

Arutz Sheva (Israel National News)Macron Visits Syria for Talks Before NATO Summit in TürkiyeLA TimesAl Jazeera (website)Euronews

• “I am here to affirm France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let's open a new page of stability and peace,” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France

TRT World

• “Macron has sought to engage with us in Syria and followed every step and stage of the transition,” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria

TRT World

• “He gave Sharaa a leg up on the international stage,” — Arthur Quesnay, Syria specialist

Times of Israel

• “Macron's visit "is telling the Americans that we have a share in the Syrian market as much as you have.” — Bassam Barabandi, Syrian diplomat, founder of Nexus MENA think-tank

RFI (Radio France Internationale)