Macron in Damascus: First Western State Visit Since Assad's Overthrow

Damascus - 07.07.2026: Emmanuel Macron arrived late Sunday for an official visit to the Syrian capital — the first appearance of a Western head of state in Syria since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. French and Syrian flags flew along the approaches, and security measures in the city were visibly increased. The Élysée Palace confirmed the trip only after the landing, citing security reasons. According to the presidency, Macron will discuss a gradual normalization of bilateral relations with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and members of the transitional ...