Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received an enthusiastic welcome from the Syrian diaspora as he arrived in Paris today, May 7, beginning his first official visit to a European country since the fall of the Assad regime last December.
Crowds of Syrians from across France and neighboring countries gathered in the French capital to greet Sharaa, reflecting a sense of hope among expatriates eager to reconnect with their homeland. Families, students, professionals, and longtime expatriates traveled from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia to participate in the historic moment.
Sharaa’s visit comes at a time of cautious diplomatic renewal between Damascus and Western capitals, particularly Paris, which appears poised to reassert its role in Syria. The visit was made at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring a shift in France’s stance following years of diplomatic freeze under the Assad regime.
Historical Ties Shape Present Engagement
France’s re-engagement carries significant historical weight. From 1920 to 1946, France held a mandate over Syria and has long maintained deep cultural and economic ties to the country. Despite Paris’s closure of its embassy in Damascus in 2012 amid the Syrian uprising, the French flag was raised once again over the embassy compound on Dec. 17—just days after the regime change.
On Dec. 8, France dispatched a diplomatic team to Syria to evaluate the post-Assad landscape. That effort laid the groundwork for French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Damascus and signaled a strategic pivot. However, French officials have made clear that cooperation with the new Syrian administration depends on measurable reforms.
A Symbolic Encounter and Forward Momentum
The agenda for Sharaa’s talks with Macron are expected to include the lifting of economic sanctions, counterterrorism coordination, and broader regional stability. While many in the diaspora voiced optimism about the new government’s vision, French officials remain focused on ensuring that Syria’s promises translate into concrete progress.
Today’s scene in Paris was not just about diplomacy, but reflects the deep desire of France and expatriate Syrians in Europe to rebuild and share a future with Syrians living in Syria during this critical time of Syrian history.
