Syria, France sign partnership and economic cooperation agreements
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria and France signed on Tuesday a series of partnership agreements and memorandums of understanding covering investment, transport, health, banking and trade during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus.
The signing ceremony was held at the People’s Palace in Damascus, where Syrian and French officials concluded agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, signed a declaration of intent concerning assets allegedly looted by Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The two countries also signed a strategic partnership declaration focusing on several fields, including maritime and air transport and logistics services.
Additional agreements included a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation, a cooperation protocol on standardized water treatment solutions and energy solutions in Homs, and a memorandum on institutional strengthening, technical support and capacity building for the Central Bank of Syria.
The package also included a memorandum to enhance economic cooperation and develop trade relations, a declaration of intent on civil aviation, and a protocol governing the management and marketing of air cargo services.
Following talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, French President Emmanuel Macron said France was ready to contribute to the rehabilitation of Syria’s banking sector, describing it as a key element in restoring economic activity and facilitating investment.
Macron also announced that the two sides had agreed to establish joint committees to follow up on reconstruction files and strengthen cooperation in key sectors.