French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a videoconference meeting Friday with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss regional security, border issues, and the return of Syrian refugees.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Aoun in Paris following the meeting, Macron described the talks as “entirely positive.” He reiterated that France is open to receiving Sharaa under certain conditions, emphasizing the need for the Syrian government to engage with civil society and ensure the security of returning refugees.
“A government that accounts for all components of Syrian civil society, a clear and resolute fight against terrorism, and the safe return of refugees are the three key elements that will determine the transitional phase,” Macron said. He added that France is prepared to continue discussions and potentially host the Syrian president depending on developments in the coming weeks.
Refugee Return a Central Issue
A significant focus of the discussions was the return of Syrian refugees, an issue Macron described as “essential for Lebanon and the entire region.” He stressed that political representation, inclusive of all Syrian civil groups, must precede repatriation efforts, referencing commitments made by Sharaa.
The French president called for a global effort to establish a sustainable framework for refugee return, addressing both social and economic dimensions. “Ensuring the security of all Syrians in their country and mobilizing the international community for a permanent framework are crucial steps,” Macron said.
Aoun echoed this sentiment, highlighting the burden Lebanon faces as the country with the highest percentage of displaced persons per capita. “This situation is exhausting for us and for them,” he said. “Their return is essential not only for Lebanon and Syria but also for European countries like Cyprus and Greece.”
Syrian-Lebanese Border & Regional Security
Another major topic was the security of the Syrian-Lebanese border, which has seen recent clashes. Aoun emphasized the importance of coordination between Lebanon and Syria to resolve outstanding border issues. The Lebanese presidency later released a statement reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to working with Syria and utilizing French mediation to expedite refugee repatriation.
The expanded five-party meeting with Cyprus and Greece also addressed maritime security and regional environmental concerns. While no official statement on the outcomes was released, Macron underscored the need for continued collaboration to tackle security challenges across the region.
“These discussions mark an important step in fostering dialogue and stability,” Macron said. “The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next phase of engagement.”
The meeting was part of Aoun’s first official visit to France since taking office, reinforcing Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts to address the refugee crisis and border security. The leaders are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks as international stakeholders assess the feasibility of proposed initiatives.
