French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first visit by a major Western leader since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad assumed office in 2000.

Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the construction of a “free and pluralistic Syria,” stressing that Paris’ engagement with Damascus remains conditional on respect for pluralism and long-term stability.

According to the Syrian presidency, the visit is expected to include the signing of bilateral agreements covering infrastructure and the financial sector.