Macron Hosts Syrian President al-Sharaa's First European Visit, Focusing on Reconstruction Amid Sectarian Violence

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Updated May 7, 2025, 06:03 AM

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris on Wednesday, marking al-Sharaa's first visit to Europe since assuming power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. The meeting aims to discuss bilateral and regional issues, with a focus on the reconstruction and economic development of Syria. Al-Sharaa, who founded the HTS, formerly known as Al-Nosra, and was affiliated with Daech, recently signed a 30-year deal with the French company CMA-CGM for the operation of the Latakia port.

Macron's invitation to al-Sharaa has sparked controversy due to the Syrian leader's past as a jihadist affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Critics, including Marine Le Pen, have expressed strong opposition to the visit, citing al-Sharaa's history and alleged involvement in attacks against French citizens, including the murder of Samuel Paty and the Bataclan attacks. Al-Sharaa's visit to France was made possible by a UN exemption, despite his past affiliations.

The French presidency has stated that Macron will reaffirm France's support for building a new Syria that is free, stable, and respects all components of its society. The visit comes amidst concerns over sectarian violence in Syria, including the massacre of 1,700 Alaouites and recent clashes involving the Druze and Alawite communities, and the need for international support to stabilize the country.

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#Emmanuel Macron #Syrian #Paris #Europe #Syria #HTS #Daech #French #Latakia #Macron #Islamic State #Marine Le Pen #Samuel Paty #Bataclan attacks #France #UN #Alaouites #Druze #Alawite

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Sources

europe1.fr(9)leparisien.fr(5)france24.com(3)reuters.com(3)

TF1Info

@TF1Info

Syrian President's visit to the Élysée Palace: “We do not write a blank check, we judge by actions (...) If we engage in this dialogue (...) it is because if Syria collapsed, fragmented, it would be a red carpet for Daech”, @jnbarrot in #BonjourLaMatinaleTF1 https://t.co/CVbuyO8xvT

Sud Radio

@SudRadio

Emmanuel Macron welcomes the Syrian president to ask him to protect “all civilians” The article: https://t.co/A8PptWB8VU

TF1Info

@TF1Info

Visit to the Élysée by the new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Shareh: “Marine Le Pen is not very well placed to talk about Syria, she who supported Bashar al-Assad, the bloodthirsty hangman of the Syrian people”, @jnbarrot in #BonjourLaMatinaleTF1 https://t.co/w79OA7PIwv