Macron Visits Syria, Calls for Economic Partnership and Returns Artifacts

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus on July 7, 2026, where he met with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Shara and representatives of civil society. Al-Shara called for a French economic partnership in Syria, and Macron stated that French companies and investors are ready to operate there. During the visit, Macron also returned 23 Syrian artifacts aboard his plane. A blast in Damascus raised security concerns, but French officials confirmed Macron was safe and continued his visit.