France pledges support for Syria's reconstruction in Paris talks

France has taken a notable step toward re-engagement with Syria, pledging concrete support for the war-torn nation's recovery and signaling a readiness for its companies to return. In a high-level meeting in Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot assured his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, of France's commitment to backing Syria's path toward reconstruction, economic revitalization, and expanded bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.

A Strategic Shift in French Foreign Policy

The diplomatic meeting, detailed in a statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry, represents a potential shift in France's approach. For years, Paris was a leading voice calling for the departure of the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, who fell from power in late 2024. The discussions focused on issues of mutual interest and enhancing strategic partnerships, indicating a pragmatic turn toward engaging with the post-Assad political reality to address Syria's profound humanitarian and economic crises.

Broader Regional Context: Israel's Actions and Negotiations

The Franco-Syrian talks occur against a tense regional backdrop. A Syrian government source revealed that a new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations with Israel began on Monday, aiming to revive the 1974 Disengagement Agreement concerning the Golan Heights. This follows Israel's expansion of its occupation into the demilitarized buffer zone after the fall of the Assad regime, a move Damascus and international observers decry as a violation of the historic accord. Syrian sources also accuse Israeli forces of conducting near-daily incursions into Syrian territory, detaining civilians and damaging farmland.

Balancing Reconstruction and Stability

France's renewed interest in Syria's recovery aligns with broader European concerns about regional stability, socioeconomic recovery, and stemming irregular migration. By offering reconstruction support and encouraging corporate investment, Paris is positioning itself as a key player in Syria's future. However, this engagement is delicately balanced against ongoing security challenges and the complex geopolitical maneuvers of regional actors, which will heavily influence the pace and nature of any sustainable recovery.