Al-Sharaa and Macron Stress the Importance of Building a Strategic Partnership Between Syria and France

ARK News.. In the presence of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron, a Syrian-French roundtable meeting began on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the People's Palace in Damascus, ahead of the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering various investment sectors.

During the meeting, the two presidents emphasized the importance of establishing a strategic partnership between Syria and France based on mutual interests and aimed at supporting Syria's reconstruction, particularly in the sectors of transport, energy, water, airports, banking, food industries, and digital infrastructure, while also discussing broader partnerships involving Gulf countries.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the participants by saying, "Welcome to the new Syria." He added that the hall had brought together "leaders of industry and business, those who manage global shipping fleets, manufacture aircraft, operate airports, and build energy and water networks."

He said the People's Palace was hosting the gathering to allow participants to witness "a country that has decided to rise again and open its doors to those who wish to help build its future."

Al-Sharaa highlighted Syria's strategic location linking the Mediterranean to the Gulf and Iraq, noting that the country lies only a few hours by sea from Marseille. Referring to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, he said, "The world has realized the value of safe and stable trade corridors here."

He added that Syria's geographical importance has re-emerged after reclaiming its vital role as "an indispensable hub in the global trade corridor network."

Speaking about French investments in the Port of Latakia, Al-Sharaa said that CMA CGM signed a €230 million agreement 14 months ago to develop the port and later decided to invest an additional €200 million to expand its capacity.

He said this reflects a comprehensive roadmap for reconstruction and partnership, including the modernization of Syria's national airline fleet, airport operations, air navigation systems, offshore energy exploration in Syrian territorial waters, and the upgrading of electricity and water networks.

Al-Sharaa added that the proposed areas of cooperation also include university hospitals, food industries, digital infrastructure, and modernization of the civil registry system.

He stressed that Syria's industrial cities are ready to serve as a platform for French manufacturers, emphasizing that this is based on "Syria's revival through sovereign national decision-making" and the creation of a modern investment environment governed by laws and institutions.

He concluded by saying that the strategic partnership Syria is building with France represents a model for future relations with Europe and the wider international community, describing it as "a partnership built on interests that serve our two peoples, not on slogans."

For his part, President Emmanuel Macron said the next phase would see the establishment of expanded joint economic committees to support Syria's reconstruction, noting that these efforts would also involve partnerships with Gulf countries.

Macron affirmed that France is ready to build trust with Syria and will be a partner in several sectors, including energy and banking.

He acknowledged that Syria continues to face numerous challenges but stressed that significant opportunities exist for French companies, reaffirming that France "will always stand alongside the Syrian people."

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