France and Turkey Build Ties with Syria’s New Leadership After Assad's Fall

Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Scharaa secures regional and European engagements as his government seeks legitimacy and economic recovery.

French President Emmanuel Macron invited Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Scharaa to France, marking the first known direct contact between a European head of state and Syria's new leadership.
Syria’s new government, led by the HTS-aligned al-Scharaa, is pushing for the removal of international sanctions to aid economic recovery and has begun engaging with Gulf states and Turkey for reconstruction support.
Al-Scharaa’s visit to Turkey strengthened ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with both leaders agreeing on joint efforts against Kurdish militias and the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria.
The interim government has announced plans for economic reforms, a future national dialogue, and elections within four to five years, though questions about inclusivity and minority rights remain unresolved.
The international community remains cautious, with organizations like the UN and EU assessing the legitimacy of the HTS-led government and its commitment to democratic reforms.