DAMASCUS, SYRIA / MENA Newswire / – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday for an official visit focused on Syrian-French relations, reconstruction and economic cooperation. The trip marks the first visit by a French president to Syria since 2009. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received Macron and his delegation at Damascus International Airport.
Syria France business ties gain focus during high level Damascus meetings. (Credit – WAM)
Macron traveled with a French delegation that included business figures and company representatives. His program included talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, meetings with Syrian civil society and economic discussions. French companies TotalEnergies and CMA CGM were represented in the business delegation, as reconstruction and investment formed key parts of the visit.
Al-Sharaa said Syria would sign several agreements during Macron’s visit. He linked reconstruction to investment in energy, industry, human resources and state institutions. He also said France could contribute in infrastructure, industry, the financial sector and institutional restructuring as Syria seeks wider cooperation after years of war.
Agreements put reconstruction at center
The Syrian-French Business Council hosted a reception for the French delegation in Damascus. The event brought together government officials, business leaders and economic stakeholders from both countries. Syrian Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani attended, along with Syrian and French business representatives. The gathering took place on the sidelines of Macron’s visit.
Council Chairman Jamaleddine al-Qasimi said both sides were looking toward memorandums of understanding in healthcare, infrastructure, transport, legal affairs and education. He said the council works from Damascus and Paris to expand ties with French companies. Preparations are also underway for a Syrian-French economic conference in Damascus this autumn.
Economic talks follow sanctions easing
The visit follows a period of renewed European engagement with Damascus after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. France reopened diplomatic channels with Syria after years of rupture. Macron hosted Al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025. European measures later eased many economic restrictions on Syria while keeping sanctions tied to security issues and former Assad-era figures.
Syria remains heavily damaged after 13 years of conflict that destroyed infrastructure, drove millions from their homes and pushed large parts of the population into poverty. Syrian officials have cited energy, electricity, transport, water, tourism, oil and gas, and phosphates as areas open to investment. Macron’s visit places Syrian reconstruction and economic cooperation at the center of the renewed relationship.