Macron Invites Syria’s Interim President to France, Signals Possible Policy Shift By Rizik Alabi / The Media Line [Damascus] French President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Syria’s newly appointed interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and invited him to visit France in what could mark a shift in diplomatic relations. Macron expressed France’s support for Syria’s transitional administration […]
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The Media Line: Macron Invites Syria’s Interim President to France, Signals Possible Policy Shift
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Macron Invites Syria’s Interim President to France, Signals Possible Policy Shift
By Rizik Alabi / The Media Line
[Damascus] French President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Syria’s newly appointed interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and invited him to visit France in what could mark a shift in diplomatic relations. Macron expressed France’s support for Syria’s transitional administration and its efforts toward recovery.
During a phone call, Macron emphasized France’s willingness to lift sanctions on Syria and help facilitate economic recovery. He reaffirmed his commitment to Syria’s “unity, independence and territorial sovereignty,” while also endorsing the ongoing political process in the country. He commended al-Sharaa for leading Syria into the post-Assad era, offering France’s full support for the transitional phase.
The Syrian presidency confirmed that al-Sharaa received an official invitation to visit Paris in the coming weeks, marking the first formal invitation from an EU country since his appointment. A statement from Damascus said the two leaders also discussed Syria’s security challenges and the need for joint efforts to ensure stability.
Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude for France’s support over the past 14 years and reiterated Syria’s commitment to engaging constructively in regional and international affairs. He emphasized Damascus’ focus on national interests, including stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This diplomatic development follows al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Turkey, where discussions reportedly centered on dismantling the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and disarming its fighters. The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish fighters, has been a key US ally in the fight against ISIS but is viewed by Turkey as a threat due to its links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Despite ongoing discussions between Syria and Turkey, Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Kurdish forces, recognizing their role in counterterrorism operations. France, a key member of the international coalition against ISIS, maintains a military presence in northeastern Syria, including bases in Deir ez-Zur’s Conoco and Al-Omar regions, as well as in Al-Hasakah Governorate.