How Macron seeks to carve out France's role in new Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, showcasing Paris' support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa while seeking to secure a share of the country's emerging reconstruction market.
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to expand his country’s involvement in Syria, both diplomatically and economically. His two-day visit to Damascus on Monday and Tuesday showcased Paris’ ambition to play a leading role in legitimizing President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government and securing major reconstruction contracts in postwar Syria.
Diplomatic continuity
“Consistency and continuity are the two key elements of France’s policy toward Syria,” David Khalfa, director of the Middle East program at the Paris-based Jean Jaures Foundation, told Al-Monitor. “After receiving Sharaa in Paris in May 2025, on his first official visit to Europe, Macron became the first European leader to travel to Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime,” he added.
Sharaa’s visit to Paris preceded his trip to Washington last November, where he met with President Donald Trump, and his visit to Berlin last March, where he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
