Syria announced on Sunday that it anticipates a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron, who will be the first Western European leader to visit since the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
The state news agency SANA, citing the media office of the Syrian president, reported that “Macron is expected to visit Syria to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.” The date of the trip has not been specified. It is noted that he will be accompanied by a delegation that includes investors and representatives from French companies, as part of efforts to enhance economic cooperation. Regional and international events will also be on the agenda.
The French administration has not yet commented on this trip.
First Western leader after Assad’s overthrow
While the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visited the country in January and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited in April, Macron will be the first head of state from an EU member and a prominent Western leader to travel to the Syrian capital after he hosted Sharaa in Paris last year.
Source: France 24
