Macron backs sovereign, pluralistic Syria during historic Damascus visit
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said Syrians’ aspirations for a sovereign, secure and united country “cannot be smothered,” as he continued a landmark visit to Damascus despite explosions that struck the capital earlier in the day.
Macron wrote on X, “Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues.”
Macron’s remarks came hours after two improvised explosive devices detonated near Syria’s Ministry of Tourism in central Damascus while the French President was in the capital for talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Syrian authorities said the blasts occurred outside the designated security zone for Macron’s visit and posed no direct threat to the French delegation or the official program. The Interior Ministry said 18 people were injured, including four police officers.
During talks with Macron, al-Sharaa highlighted Syria’s strategic geographic position and called for France to become a leading partner in the country’s reconstruction and investment efforts.
The two leaders also oversaw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering investment and economic cooperation, marking a significant step in efforts to restore ties between Damascus and Paris after years of strained relations.
Macron’s visit is the first by a French president to Syria since 2009 and comes as Damascus seeks to strengthen international partnerships and accelerate post-war recovery following the fall of al-Assad regime.