Key Facts

• Emmanuel Macron is the first Western European leader to visit Syria's capital, Damascus, in this era.
• The meeting was with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• Syria’s reconstruction and economic strategy will depend on help from Europe and Turkey.
• Syria has faced years of war that severely damaged its economy and infrastructure.
• Macron expressed strong support for improving relations and repairing ties with Syria.
• Syria aims to attract investors to help rebuild the country.
• Security challenges in Syria remain a significant obstacle to economic recovery and investment.
• The visit also came amid security concerns, highlighted by several recent explosions in Damascus.