Macron lands in Damascus: First Western leader to visit new Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, becoming the first Western head of state to visit Syria since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Macron met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after toppling Assad in December 2024. Sharaa has since worked to restore Syria’s international standing and revive the country’s struggling economy. “I have come to reaffirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people. To a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours,” Macron said upon arrival. The visit marks a significant diplomatic shift, as Western nations had largely isolated Assad’s government during the civil war. France now signals support for the new leadership’s efforts to rebuild.