France's Macron visits Syria, in first trip by an EU head of state

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Syria on Monday, in the first visit to Damascus by a European Union head of state since rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.



The visit underlines Syria's geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that shunned Assad, as he seeks to rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of war.



"I am here to affirm France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let's open a new page of stability and peace," Macron said on X.



Macron, who was greeted at Damascus airport by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, will hold a working dinner with Sharaa before further meetings on Tuesday, according to an agenda from the French presidency.