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French President Macron lands in Syria as first EU head of state since Assad toppled

France's Macron visits Syria, in first trip by an EU head of state since Assad toppledFrance’s Macron in Syria on first post-Assad visit by a Western leader

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Damascus, Syria on Monday in the first visit by an EU head of state since rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

Macron's trip reflects a desire to consolidate Syria's new regime amid regional tensions involving Israel's efforts to keep Syria weak and Turkey's influence.

This historic visit marks a major step in international recognition of Syria's post-Assad transition.

Western Media

Western Media view Macron's trip as a desire to consolidate the new Syrian regime in the shadow of Turkey, while noting Israel is doing everything to keep Syria weak and fragmented.

French Institute

French Institute of International Relations experts describe the visit as consolidating the new regime at a time when Israel keeps Syria weak and Turkey casts a shadow.

  • Syria's civil war began in 2011 with protests against Bashar al-Assad's government.
  • Turkey has supported various rebel groups in Syria since the conflict started.
  • The new Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Islamist group.