The Information Directorate of the Syrian Presidency reported that French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an upcoming visit to Syria to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and issues of common interest.
The Directorate of Information explained in its statement that the French president is accompanied by a delegation that includes investors and representatives of French companies, in an indication of the orientation of the two sides to enhance economic cooperation in addition to political files.
The Directorate indicated that Presidents Ahmed Al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a round dialogue session with the two delegations.
She pointed out that the talks will address the developments of the regional and international situation, and the prospects for bilateral cooperation in various fields, within the framework of the joint keenness to continue political dialogue and strengthen relations between the two countries.
Completion of the process of understandings in the Elysée
The Syrian presidency's statement recalled the pillars on which this visit was based, as President Al-Sharia made an official visit to France last year, at the invitation of his French counterpart Macron.
These talks, which were held at the Elysee Palace, witnessed the development of the broad lines of cooperation areas, with the two sides stressing the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supporting stability and recovery efforts in order to serve the interests of the two friendly peoples.
First visit by a European president to Damascus after the fall of the regime
French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to Damascus comes as the first visit by a European head of state to Syria since the fall of the former regime.
French economic sources indicated that Macron's accompanying a delegation of French businessmen, investors and companies to Paris' desire reflects France's desire to reserve an advanced seat in reconstruction projects, and open new investment prospects in the promising Syrian market, coinciding with the stability of state institutions and the convening of the new parliament.
French political analyst Pierre-Louis Raymond told The Independent Arabia: "President Macron's visit to Damascus is an acknowledgement that Syria has entered a new phase that cannot be ignored, as the past years have proven that the policy of isolation has not achieved stability, and that the rebuilding of the Syrian state requires responsible European engagement rather than just watching from afar."
"France, by virtue of its history and relationship with the Levant, has an opportunity to contribute to opening a new page with Syria, based on supporting institutions, encouraging investment, and assisting in reconstruction when the right conditions exist, while maintaining the dialogue on human rights and the rule of law," he added.
"At the same time, the French role should be a balancing factor between Syria and Lebanon, not a party to a new conflict, as the stability of the two countries is interdependent, but this stability can only be based on full respect for the sovereignty of each country, it is in Damascus's interest that its relationship with Beirut be one of economic and security cooperation, not a tutelage relationship as was the case in the past, and it is in Lebanon's interest to see Syria as a stable neighbor and not a source of influence," he said.
"If Paris succeeds in encouraging this approach, it will not only have helped Syria return to the international community, but it will also have contributed to the consolidation of a more stable Middle East, where relations between countries are based on partnership and mutual respect, not on hegemony or military intervention," the French political analyst said.
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