Syrian Leader Visits Paris for Talks With Macron in 1st Official Trip to Europe

The trip gives a diplomatic boost to Ahmed al-Sharaa and his interim government, which has yet to be formally recognized by Washington.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa at a news conference in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 4, 2025. Anadolu Agency/Reuters

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa headed to Paris on May 7 in his first trip to Europe since his predecessor, Bashar al-Assad, was ousted in a rebel offensive late last year.

In Paris, al-Sharaa will meet French President Emmanuel Macron, with whom he is expected to discuss a range of issues pertaining to strife-torn Syria.