French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd L) attends a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (3rd L) at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Syria and France on Tuesday launched joint economic committees and signed a series of memorandums of understanding and investment agreements covering key sectors during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country, according to state news agency SANA.
The agreements were unveiled during a business forum held at the People's Palace, attended by Macron and Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. Government officials and business leaders from both countries discussed prospects for expanding economic cooperation and supporting Syria's reconstruction.
Al-Sharaa invited French companies to participate in rebuilding Syria, saying the country sought to establish strategic partnerships in sectors including ports, aviation, energy, water, healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing.
For his part, Macron said the current stage presented an opportunity to strengthen stability and reconstruction efforts in Syria, while encouraging greater participation by French companies and investors.
He announced the establishment of expanded joint economic committees to coordinate reconstruction efforts in partnership with Gulf Arab countries.
Macron said France was prepared to cooperate with Syria in rehabilitating its banking sector and support coordination with international financial institutions to facilitate economic recovery.
Earlier in the day, al-Sharaa held talks with Macron on bilateral relations and regional and international developments during the first visit by a French president to Syria since 2009. ■
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (L) walks with French President Emmanuel Macron before their meeting at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron hold an expanded meeting with members of their respective delegations at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
