**Macron Arrives in Syria for Talks Ahead of NATO Summit in Turkiye**
French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant diplomatic visit to Syria, marking the first trip by a Western European leader since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Macron's arrival in Damascus on Monday evening was met by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, setting the stage for discussions aimed at fostering stability and peace in the region.
The visit comes just ahead of the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey, where both Macron and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa are expected to participate. Notably, al-Sharaa is anticipated to have a prominent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the summit, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Macron expressed France's commitment to the Syrian people, stating, “I have come to express 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.” This statement underscores France's intention to support Syria's recovery and reintegration into the international community.
Macron's visit is accompanied by a business delegation, indicating a dual focus on regional security and economic opportunities. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including investment prospects in a country still reeling from the aftermath of a decade-long civil war. The war has left Syria in ruins, with millions of its citizens living in poverty and a reconstruction effort estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars.
The relationship between France and Syria has evolved significantly since al-Assad's removal. Macron previously hosted al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025, where he advocated for the lifting of longstanding sanctions on Damascus. Many of these sanctions have since been eased, reflecting a shift in France's approach to Syria's new leadership. Despite some skepticism surrounding al-Sharaa's conservative governance and his past affiliations with the armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was previously linked to al-Qaeda, France has shown a willingness to engage with the current Syrian administration.
However, Western governments remain cautious regarding the treatment of women and minorities in Syria under al-Sharaa's rule, as well as the potential for a transition toward more democratic governance. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, as they will significantly impact Syria's future and its relations with other nations.
As Macron and al-Sharaa prepare for the NATO summit, the focus will be on how to navigate the complexities of regional politics while addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Syrian population. The summit will provide a platform for discussing security arrangements and defense spending among NATO members, further emphasizing the strategic importance of Syria in the broader geopolitical landscape.
In summary, Macron's visit to Syria represents a pivotal moment in Franco-Syrian relations and highlights the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. As both leaders head to Turkey for the NATO summit, the outcomes of their discussions may shape the future trajectory of Syria and its role on the international stage.