Al-Sharaa–Macron Meeting… New Dimensions for the Syrian File

French President Emmanuel Macron received his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, on Wednesday, May 7, at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The two leaders held a joint press conference addressing key issues of mutual concern, primarily the reconstruction of Syria, lifting sanctions, and promoting regional stability.

President Al-Sharaa emphasized that the stability of Syria is integral to the stability of the entire region. He noted that the post-revolution period is a difficult one, pointing to a destroyed infrastructure and cities without electricity, making reconstruction a top priority. Al-Sharaa also rejected sectarianism and foreign interference, highlighting the formation of investigative committees regarding recent events in the coastal region, which he attributed to “remnants of the former regime.” He called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, describing them as “no longer justified” and harmful to the people.

The Syrian president added that Syria is no longer on the margins of the map and that its economy is open to global markets. “Syria’s future will not be shaped behind closed doors or decided in distant capitals,” he asserted.

For his part, President Macron reiterated France’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and equal rights for all components of the Syrian people. He expressed France’s readiness to cooperate in combating ISIS and to work toward gradually lifting European sanctions, urging the U.S. administration to take similar steps. Macron also called on Israel to stop violating Syrian sovereignty, adding that the fall of Assad was welcomed by many. “After a bloody war, I see a leader in his rightful place,” he concluded.