LONDON: The people of Damascus are hoping a visit to the city by French President Emmanuel Macron will help to boost ties between the Syrian Arab Republic and France.
Macron’s visit is the first by a Western European head of state since the fall of Bashar Assad at the end of 2024.
Faisal Azouz, a teacher, told French news agency AFP that he hoped the visit, which began on Monday, would open the door to a new era in Syria-France relations, particularly in the economic sphere.
“France is an important European country. So we hope this visit will open new horizons for relations,” he said.
“Economic ties matter and France is a key player. We wish Syria well and we hope this visit will help restore Syria-France relations.”
Another local man said he expected the French to become involved in the oil and gas sector, as well as maritime transport.
“The French are always keen to engage in major projects which I think will primarily be in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
Some of the world’s largest maritime shipping companies, some owned by Syrians, were based in France, he said.
Another man said that he hoped some of France’s “cultural ethos” would be be brought to Syria.
“The Baathist imprint still dominates the theatre world. We have not yet managed to move beyond the legacy of the Baath Party,” he said.
A woman described Macron’s visit as a sign of the country’s stability.
“If Syria were not safe and stable, no president or anyone at this level would risk visiting. That sends a message to friends abroad that the situation here is safe and under control,” she said.
Macron’s trip is considered a major sign of Western reengagement with Syria and reflects France’s efforts to rebuild political ties with Damascus after years of isolation.
The French president last year pushed for sanctions relief to help Syria’s economy recover.
France also recognizes Syria’s importance in counterterrorism efforts and regional stability and has tried to act as an intermediary between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
