Macron Visits Syria as President Hails France’s ‘Constructive Role’ in Transition

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, becoming the first European Union head of state to visit Syria since President Ahmed Al-Sharaa led the overthrow of Bashar Assad in 2024.

The visit reflects Syria’s growing diplomatic reintegration under Sharaa, whose government has worked to rebuild ties with Western and regional powers after years of isolation during Assad’s rule. “I am here to reaffirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace,” Macron wrote on X after landing in Damascus.

He was welcomed at the airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani before beginning a visit expected to focus on reconstruction, political transition and economic cooperation.

Macron is accompanied by senior executives from French companies, including TotalEnergies and shipping giant CMA CGM, underscoring France’s interest in supporting Syria’s post-war recovery. According to the Elysee Palace, the French president will also meet representatives from across Syrian society and reaffirm France’s backing for an inclusive political transition that safeguards the rights of all communities.

Ahead of Macron’s visit, Sharaa praised France’s role in supporting Syria since Assad’s ouster.

“President Macron sought to engage with us from the very beginning and followed every stage of the transition,” Sharaa said in an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV. He also credited France with helping secure the lifting of Western sanctions imposed during Assad’s presidency.

Sharaa had travelled to Paris last year for his first visit to a European country after assuming power, where Macron emerged as one of the strongest advocates within Europe for easing sanctions to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery.

France returns Syrian antiquities

A symbolic highlight of Macron’s visit will be the return of 23 Syrian antiquities that had been loaned to France’s Arab World Institute in 2010 but remained there after the outbreak of Syria’s civil war.

According to the Elysee Palace, the artefacts will be handed over to the National Museum of Damascus. The collection spans several historical periods—from prehistory to the Abbasid era—and includes objects linked to the Mesopotamian, Canaanite, Nabataean, Palmyrene, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad civilisations.

Syria descended into civil war in 2011 after Bashar Assad’s government launched a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests, prompting France to cut diplomatic ties with Damascus. Macron’s visit marks a significant milestone in the restoration of relations as European governments deepen engagement with Syria’s new leadership following Assad’s fall.