EXCLUSIVE: France softens stance on Turkey SAMP/T air defence sale, sources say

In Syria on 6 July 2026, Macron began a two-day visit to Damascus, speaking of a 'free, plural Syria', according to France 24. Anadolu Agency quoted Syria's president as saying that Syria and France would sign agreements during the visit, and Al Arabiya reported that al-Sharaa welcomed France's 'constructive' role in Syria.

Al Arabiya also reported that Macron visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with al-Sharaa, and Al-Ahram reported that Macron renewed France's commitment to stand with the Syrian people. Arab News wrote that the visit offers hope for the city's residents, and TASS, citing Al Hadath, reported that Macron and the French delegation did not hear sounds of explosions in Damascus.