Macron's Visit to Syria: 'We Are Ready to Do More for Cooperation with the Damascus Administration'

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Syria marked the beginning of a new era of partnership between the two countries. Syrian President Ahmed Shara stated that strategic cooperation agreements were signed between Syria and France in the fields of ports, aviation, energy, water, and health, describing the visit as a step that crowns a quiet and deep joint work process between the two countries. Macron reaffirmed his commitment to a free and sovereign Syria, noting that the fight against terrorism is difficult, but Syria is waging it with determination. 'France has expectations, hopes, and interests. In return, Syria is entitled to demand concrete commitments from France' he said. Shara announced that a declaration defining the framework for comprehensive cooperation between Syria and France was signed, and that the relations will be followed up at the ministerial level annually. He also mentioned that regional issues were discussed, including Israel's attacks on Syria. 'For real stability to be achieved, Israel must return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and withdraw from all occupied territories after December 8' he said. Shara emphasized the importance of supporting Lebanon's stability, its sovereignty, and state institutions. A declaration of intent to initiate the process of recovering Syrian assets seized abroad was signed.