DAMASCUS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit France on Wednesday for a high-level meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, marking his first official trip to a European country since the fall of the previous government, state news agency SANA reported.
SANA quoted an official from Syria's information authority as saying that the talks will focus on bilateral and regional issues, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation -- notably in the energy and aviation sectors. Discussions will also address the reconstruction and development of Syria in the aftermath of years of conflict.
Regional security issues are also on the agenda. The two leaders are expected to discuss Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, ongoing security challenges, and Syria's relations with neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon, the official said.
The visit comes after a series of phone calls between al-Sharaa and Macron, in which both leaders reportedly addressed shared concerns and areas for potential collaboration, according to the official. ■
