Macron Becomes First Major Western Leader to Visit Syria Since Assad's Ouster

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Syria on Monday, becoming the first major Western leader to visit the country since the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024, in a symbolic move reflecting growing international engagement with Syria's post-war political transition.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Syria in April, Macron is the first leader from Western Europe or North America to travel to the country since Assad's removal, marking a significant shift in Western diplomatic outreach.

Macron's visit comes as Syria seeks to rebuild ties with the international community following years of civil war, sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Since the collapse of Assad's government, the country's new leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has sought greater international recognition while navigating security, economic and governance challenges during the political transition.

The visit also coincides with a period of relative calm in the Middle East following the month-long conflict involving Iran and Lebanon, creating an opportunity for renewed diplomatic engagement across the region.

Following his visit to Damascus, Macron is scheduled to attend the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is also expected to participate in the summit, where he is anticipated to hold a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump , underscoring Syria's efforts to restore relations with Western powers.

Macron's trip is widely seen as a diplomatic milestone, signalling Europe's willingness to engage with Syria's new leadership while encouraging political stabilisation, regional security cooperation and reconstruction after more than a decade of conflict.