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6d ago

Macron Prepares to Host Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris

The visit marks al-Sharaa’s first trip to Europe, with France emphasizing demands for inclusive governance and regional stability.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, shakes hands with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov before a meeting at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks during a Ministerial formation of the government of the Syrian Arab Republic, in Damascus, Syria March 29, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
France's President Emmanuel Macron looks on during the International Conference on Syria in Paris, France February 13, 2025. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

Overview

  • French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Ahmed al-Sharaa on May 7, 2025, marking the Syrian interim leader’s first European visit since taking power in December 2024.
  • The meeting aims to support Syria’s transition to a free and stable government while pressing for minority protections and counterterrorism measures.
  • France had conditioned the invitation on the formation of an inclusive government representing all elements of Syrian society, following sectarian violence that killed over 1,700 people in March.
  • Far-right politicians in France, including Marine Le Pen, criticized Macron for hosting al-Sharaa, citing his Islamist background and alleged ties to extremist groups.
  • The visit follows recent developments, including EU sanctions relief, a French company’s port deal in Latakia, and ongoing Israeli strikes targeting extremist factions in Syria.