(SANA): French President arrives in Syria for an official visit, the first since 2009

Kuwait City, July 6 (KUNA) -- The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) announced on Monday that French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, for an official visit, the first since 2009. The agency added that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed President Macron and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival at Damascus International Airport. It noted that this visit marks the first by a French president since 2009, signifying a transition in Syrian-French relations to a new phase based on mutual respect and equal partnership.

In a related development, the agency quoted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a television interview with the French channel BFM TV, stating that the French president’s visit represents a significant development in the relationship between the two countries. He added that France will engage in infrastructure and the financial sector, with many other sectors open for French involvement.

Al-Sharaa clarified that Syria is undergoing a reconstruction phase and possesses numerous foundational elements, requiring advanced technological nations; France is among the most developed in this field. He indicated that agreements would be signed during Macron’s visit to Syria.

For his part, Macron affirmed via his account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) France’s commitment to the Syrian people, envisioning a sovereign, unified Syria that embraces its diversity and lives in peace with its neighbors. (End) M.B. / M.A. H.A.