In a historic move that broke a 17-year rupture, the plane carrying French President Emmanuel Macron touched down at Damascus International Airport on an official visit that Paris described as "courageous and important," arriving at a pivotal moment for the redrawing of French-Syrian relations.
Upon his arrival, in a striking symbolic gesture, President Macron accompanied his Syrian counterpart Ahmed Al-Sharaa on a night-time tour of the Umayyad Mosque in the heart of Damascus's old city. The two presidents walked through the ancient mosque's courtyard, where they visited the shrine of the Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) and viewed a historic copy of the Holy Quran, before signing the visitors' book — a scene reflecting France's desire for direct engagement with the diverse social and religious fabric of Syrian society.
The Élysée Palace stressed that the visit was not a "blank cheque" for Syria's new authorities, but rather a "realistic" message aimed at reaffirming France's steadfast commitment to a free and pluralistic Syria. French sources emphasised that Damascus faces a genuine test, with Paris linking any future partnership to the extent to which the authorities adopt a responsible and participatory approach, respect all social components, and engage seriously in a transitional justice process.
On the economic front, the visit carries strategic dimensions: Macron is accompanied by a high-level delegation of chief executives and directors from major French companies, spanning the energy, transport, and national printing sectors. Paris aims to activate economic cooperation and contribute to reconstruction efforts, while tying the acceleration of these steps to the Syrian authorities' responsiveness in implementing structural reforms, particularly in the banking sector.
The visit's programme includes intensive small-group meetings held away from formal protocol, with Macron seeking to engage a broad spectrum of Syrian society. Although Paris acknowledges the "fragility and complexity" of the situation, it insists that its presence in Damascus is a strategic necessity, given Syria's centrality in the Middle East and France's inability to be absent from a scene of such transformation — especially as the Syrian market grows in importance in the post-war phase.
Official talks at the presidential palace are expected to take place on Tuesday, with Macron concluding them with a press conference, amid international anticipation over what understandings may emerge from the visit — understandings that could reshape the political map of the region.