Macron makes first post-Assad Western leader visit to Syria
On Monday, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, made a landmark visit to Damascus, becoming the first Western European leader to do so since the new Syrian government took charge. He met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after removing Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and is focused on improving Syria's standing in the world. After a working dinner, they visited the famous Umayyad Mosque, with more official discussions planned for Tuesday. Macron shared on social media his commitment to a united and peaceful Syria. The last French leader to visit was Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, before the devastating conflict that has resulted in over half a million deaths. A recent bombing in a Damascus cafe highlighted ongoing security challenges. The Syrian state news agency SANA described Macron's visit as a crucial move towards reestablishing Syria's presence on the global stage. He is set to leave on Tuesday.
Key facts
- Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday for the first visit by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities took power.
- Macron met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
- Macron and Sharaa visited the Umayyad Mosque after a working dinner.
- Official meetings are scheduled for Tuesday.
- Macron wrote on social media reaffirming France's commitment to a sovereign Syria at peace with its neighbours.
- The last French president to visit Syria was Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009.
- A deadly bombing at a Damascus cafe last week was the latest security challenge.
- Syrian state news agency SANA called the visit a pivotal step in restoring Syria's international presence.
Entities
Institutions
- Agence France-Presse
- SANA
Locations
- Damascus
- Syria
- France
- Umayyad Mosque