Syria's President, France's Macron discuss unity, post-war reconstruction

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone discussion on Sunday, centering on maintaining Syria's sovereignty and the critical path toward national reconstruction. The call, reported by Syrian state media, addressed significant political shifts within the war-torn country.

Focus on Sovereignty and Separatism

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), both leaders emphasized opposition to separatist movements and stressed the paramount importance of Syria's territorial unity. The dialogue reaffirmed a shared stance on preserving the nation's integrity amid evolving security arrangements.

Timing Follows Major Internal Agreement

This high-level diplomatic exchange occurred shortly after the Damascus government announced a nationwide ceasefire and a final reintegration pact with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast. The Syrian Army had recently reclaimed large areas following what it cited as repeated violations of prior agreements by the SDF, marking a pivotal step in consolidating state control.

The Reconstruction Challenge

President Sharaa and President Macron also agreed on the pressing necessity to rebuild Syria, which concluded a devastating 14-year civil conflict in late 2024. They highlighted the need to establish conditions conducive to economic recovery and development projects, attracting international attention to the post-conflict phase. The Syrian government has been working to stabilize the country since the change in administration in Damascus in December 2024.