Syrian Leader Mohammad al-Shara to Make First European Visit at Invitation of French President Macron

Syrian Leader Mohammad al-Shara to Make First European Visit at Invitation of French President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome Syrian leader Mohammad al-Shara to Paris on Wednesday, marking al-Shara’s first visit to Europe. The trip comes amid growing international concern over the legitimacy of Syria’s Islamist interim government and protests from far-right factions in France opposing the visit.

Syria’s new leadership emerged after longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was ousted last December following years of devastating war. With roots in the al-Qaeda militant network, the new government faces mounting global pressure to uphold civil liberties, protect minorities, and ensure an inclusive and peaceful political transition.

Many countries have stated they will monitor the new leadership’s behavior before deciding whether to fully lift the sanctions imposed during the Assad era.

In a statement issued Tuesday by the Élysée Palace, the French presidency said,
“This meeting is part of France’s historic commitment to the Syrian people, who long for peace and democracy.”

Macron is expected to reaffirm France’s support for the creation of “a new, independent, stable, and sovereign Syria that respects all segments of society,” the statement said.

He will also stress his expectations of the Syrian government, particularly regarding regional stability—especially in Lebanon—and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

President al-Shara remains under a United Nations travel ban. A source reported that France likely had to obtain a special exemption from the UN, as was previously required for his visits to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

As Syria’s former colonial power, France sees an opportunity to reduce Russian influence in the country.

In February of this year, France hosted an international conference in Paris focused on Syria’s reconstruction, attempting to steer the country’s fragile political transition. Currently, 90% of Syria’s population lives below the poverty line.

Macron first invited the new Syrian leader to France in February. He extended the invitation again in March, but conditioned the visit on the formation of an inclusive government “representing all parts of society.” He described his initial talks with the interim leadership as “positive.”

Syria’s new Islamist rulers have pledged to establish an inclusive administration for the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.

However, in March, sectarian violence claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people—most of them from Assad’s Alawite minority—sparking international condemnation.