Macron visits Syria amid Damascus blasts, discusses economic ties

In early July 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad government. During his trip to Damascus, explosions were heard near his hotel, but Macron said the visit would continue. He toured the Umayyad Mosque and met with Syrian civil society representatives.

Syrian Foreign Minister called the visit a 'pivotal point' in relations. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara invited France to form an economic partnership, and Macron said French companies and investors are ready to work in Syria. Macron also brought back 23 archaeological artifacts to Syria on his plane. The visit comes amid renewed disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.