French President Emmanuel Macron landed this Monday in Damascus for an official visit, becoming the first Western head of state to travel to Syria since Ahmed al Shara, leader of the jihadist militias that overthrew President Bashar al Assad in December 2024, came to power.
Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, Macron was received on the tarmac by the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asaad Hasán al Shaibani, in a protocol ceremony that marks the beginning of his agenda in the Arab country.
According to an official Syrian statement released by the state agency SANA, the French leader will hold a meeting with Ahmed al Shara during his stay. The French delegation also includes several French businessmen, who will participate in talks with Syrian authorities.
According to the note, both sides will discuss how to boost bilateral relations and will analyze the regional and international situation in detail. They will also study "opportunities to deepen cooperation in various areas within the framework of political dialogue between the two countries."
Ahmed al Shara already traveled to France last year at the invitation of Macron and was received at the Élysée Palace. On that occasion, the two delegations emphasized the importance of supporting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, advancing the country's reconstruction, and strengthening collaboration in areas of shared interest.
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, was the first head of state to travel to Syria after Al Shara took power at the head of a coalition of predominantly jihadist militias. More recently, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited Syrian territory in January 2026, and the Ukrainian President, Volodimir Zelenski, also in January 2026.