Macron plans first French presidential visit to Syria in over 15 years

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Syria for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Syrian Presidency’s Media Directorate said on July 5.

In a statement to SANA, the directorate said Macron will be accompanied by a delegation of investors and representatives of French companies, underscoring efforts to expand economic cooperation alongside political engagement.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Macron are scheduled to hold a roundtable meeting with their respective delegations, the statement read.

The discussions will focus on regional and international developments, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation across various sectors as part of the ongoing political dialogue between the two countries.

The visit will make Macron the first Western leader to travel to Syria since Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power in late 2024. It will also mark the first visit by a French president to the country since Nicolas Sarkozy visited in 2009.

By Jeyhun Aghazada