Macron makes first French presidential visit to Syria since 2008

• Macron was welcomed at Damascus International Airport by As'ad Hassan Al-Shaibani.
• He urges new chapter of stability, reaffirms support for Syria.
• Sharaa hails new France ties, expects reconstruction support.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Syria on Monday along with an accompanying official delegation, initiating a state visit aimed at establishing a new phase of bilateral relations built on mutual respect and equal partnership.

President Macron and his delegation were received upon their arrival at Damascus International Airport by the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, As'ad Hassan Al-Shaibani.

The trip marks the first official visit by a sitting French president to Syria since 2008.

Following his arrival, President Macron published an official statement via his account on X, framing the diplomatic visit as a direct pledge of support to the country's population and regional future.

Je viens dire l’engagement de la France auprès du peuple syrien. Pour une Syrie souveraine, unie dans sa pluralité et en paix avec ses voisins. Ensemble, ouvrons une nouvelle page de stabilité et de paix.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 6, 2026

"I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people," Macron stated. "For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace."

Commenting on the diplomatic arrival, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the move, highlighting its strategic significance for long-term bilateral diplomacy.

"The French President's visit to Syria constitutes an important development in the relationship between the two countries," President al-Sharaa stated, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Syrian President al-Sharaa outlined the economic scope of the visit, noting that France will actively engage in rebuilding local infrastructure and developing the financial sector.

He added that there are numerous other sectors where French enterprises possess the capacity to operate and invest.

The Syrian leader confirmed that a series of bilateral agreements will be signed during Macron's stay in the country, emphasizing that the comprehensive rebuilding of the state relies on multi-layered frameworks, specifically focusing on national reconstruction and empowering state institutions.