French President Emmanuel Macron is set to welcome his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, on Wednesday at the Élysée Palace in Paris. This marks President Al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Europe since assuming office following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between France and Syria and to support efforts toward political stabilization and reconstruction in the war-torn country. Macron is expected to reaffirm France’s commitment to backing “a free, stable, and sovereign Syria that respects all components of its society.”

It is worth noting that Macron had extended the invitation to President Al-Sharaa last February, reflecting Paris’s support for Syria’s transitional phase.

The talks are expected to address key regional issues, including counterterrorism, the lifting of economic sanctions, Syria’s regional role, and international support for reconstruction efforts.