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Macron’s Damascus deal push
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged an “active French role” to halt what he called “systematic Israeli attacks” during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Damascus, describing Macron’s visit as “a historic milestone” and the first visit by a French president in 18 years.
“France returned 23 archaeological artifacts borrowed from Syria 15 years ago on Tuesday, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Damascus in a symbolic gesture reflecting growing ties between the two countries”
Kurdistan24 reported that Sharaa said Syria was relying on France to help stop the escalation and ensure respect for international agreements, while also calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the territories it occupied in southern Syria and for respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Middle East Online said France and Syria signed a broad package of agreements and memorandums of understanding at the Presidential Palace covering transport, aviation, health, banking, trade, infrastructure and higher education, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot signing a framework declaration on comprehensive cooperation.
TRT World added that the two sides agreed to reappoint ambassadors after a 12-year hiatus, and it said the agreements were signed in the presence of al Sharaa and Macron, alongside a strategic partnership between Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and Customs and CMA CGM covering maritime transport, air transport and logistics.
Explosions and diplomatic resolve
As Macron and al-Sharaa met in Damascus, TRT World said two bomb explosions during Macron’s visit were described by a Syrian official as terrorist attacks and attempts to sabotage the trip, with the blasts triggered by explosive devices hidden in a parked car and a garbage bin near the Four Seasons Hotel.
Gulf News reported that two improvised explosive devices detonated in central Damascus shortly before Macron arrived at the presidential palace but after he had left the hotel, injuring 18 people including four police officers, while the French presidency confirmed the visit would continue as planned.
Gulf News also quoted Macron calling for rule of law, saying “It is necessary that the dictatorship be succeeded by a genuine rule of law,” while Sharaa urged Syrians “not to let ourselves be destabilised” by the bomb attacks.
Kurdistan24 said Sharaa condemned “systematic Israeli attacks” and added that both sides discussed the Israeli issue “clearly,” stressing Syria’s position that lasting regional stability requires international efforts to ensure Israel returns to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and withdraws completely from areas occupied after Dec. 8.
Reconstruction, corridors, and assets
Beyond diplomacy and security, the sources tied the agreements to reconstruction and transit ambitions, with Sharaa telling an economic forum that “after the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the world realises the value of safe and stable corridors” and that Syria had “regained its vital role as an indispensable link in global transport corridors.”
Free Malaysia Today said Macron hoped to “make Syria a long-term regional hub,” describing it as “a place where broader strategies can be developed” including “new logistics chains” and “energy or data routes,” while also stressing Syria faced challenges in maintaining stability and spurring reconstruction.
Shafaq News reported Macron announced joint economic committees to coordinate rebuilding efforts alongside Gulf partners and said France would help rehabilitate Syria’s banking sector, while also saying the roundtable preceded the signing of investment agreements and memorandums of understanding between French and Syrian entities.
Yeni Safak English shifted the focus to assets, saying Syria and France signed a declaration of intent to facilitate the return of funds allegedly looted by Rifaat al-Assad, and it reported that a French court convicted him in 2021 on charges of corruption and laundering Syrian state funds, handing down a four-year prison sentence.
