Macron to visit Damascus, Syrian presidency announces

DAMASCUS, Syria — French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Damascus in the coming period, the Syrian presidency announced. According to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the presidential media directorate said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues of mutual interest. The announcement said Macron would be accompanied by a delegation of investors and representatives of French companies. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his French counterpart will hold an expanded dialogue session with both delegations, during which regional and international developments and prospects for bilateral cooperation will be discussed. The Syrian presidency noted that al-Sharaa visited France last year at Macron's invitation and held talks at the Élysée Palace. Those meetings covered strengthening bilateral relations and supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts. No further details on the dates or agenda of Macron's planned trip to Damascus were immediately provided.