French president says he had ‘fruitful, ambitious’ discussion with Syrian counterpart

ISTANBUL

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that he recently held a discussion with Syria’s leader, describing it as “fruitful, ambitious, and demanding."

"I recently had a fruitful, ambitious, and demanding discussion with President Ahmad al-Sharaa," Macron said, speaking at the closing of the International Conference on Syria in Paris.

“On Dec. 8 last year, you freed your country from a regime that for so many years had assassinated, displaced, and unleashed its blind violence against an entire people,” Macron said, stressing the brutality of the former Assad regime.

He expressed admiration for their perseverance in the face of unspeakable violence.

“I would therefore like to begin my remarks by paying tribute to the Syrian people who, in 2011, had the courage to break the chains of oppression,” he said.

Macron stressed the importance of international solidarity, particularly for the millions of Syrians displaced by the conflict.

"We are ready to do our part. Fundamentally, we want to forge a partnership with Syria to give you every chance of success," he declared.

He also acknowledged the burden carried by neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye, and Iraq, which have taken in millions of Syrian refugees.

"I particularly thank Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye, and Iraq, which have taken on more than their share," he said.

Macron also reiterated France’s commitment to fighting terrorism in Syria, offering full support to Syria’s efforts to combat groups like ISIS (Daesh).

"On this, I believe many of us are ready to support you directly,” he declared.

"Syria must continue to fight against all terrorist organizations that sow chaos both in your country and beyond."

Macron concluded by reiterating France’s ongoing support for the Syrian Democratic Forces, crucial allies in the fight against terrorism.

"We remain committed because we recognize what we owe them," he stated, adding that integrating these forces into Syria’s transition would benefit both the country’s security and its long-term stability.

“The integration of all forces against terrorist groups that destabilize you and securing your sovereignty—whatever we can do to assist in ensuring security for you and your neighbors, we will do,” Macron assured.

Meanwhile, during his participation in the Paris Conference on Syria, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized his country's commitment to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria.

"The first steps taken by the new administration are positive, and Spain remains fully committed to supporting this process," he said.

Greek Foreign Minister Yorgos Yerapetritis told public broadcaster ERT: "We are all aware that Syria is going through a major crisis after the fall of the Assad regime. At this moment, it is extremely important that humanitarian aid is sent to Syria, that the institutions in the country are put in order, and that Syria stands on its own feet."

"It is extremely important for Greece that the new regime in Syria fully respects international law and international maritime law and that this administration is inclusive, including the entire Christian population," he added, stating that Greece will continue to take part in the talks to be held on the future of Syria.