Syrian presidency announces upcoming visit by French President Emmanuel Macron

The Syrian presidency announced that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Syria, marking the first such trip by a Western European head of state since the regime change in 2024. While the exact date of the visit remains unconfirmed, the Syrian government stated that the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues of mutual interest. Reports vary regarding the predecessor to the current leadership, with some sources mentioning Bashar al-Assad's departure in 2024, while others identify the current leader as Ahmed al-Shara, who assumed power in late 2024. During his visit, President Macron is expected to be accompanied by a delegation of investors and representatives from French companies. The itinerary includes a roundtable meeting between the French delegation and President al-Shara. This diplomatic initiative represents a significant shift in Syria's international engagement. Official statements were released by the Syrian presidency and reported by the state news agency SANA.