Syria’s Ahmad Al Shara Meets Macron in Paris: A Milestone Visit

Ahmad Al Shara, Syrian leader, is visiting France to meet President Emmanuel Macron, marking his first trip to a Western country amid ongoing sectarian violence. The meeting aims to reinforce support for a stable Syria and address regional stability and economic recovery, alongside discussions on sanctions and international aid.

Ahmad Al Shara, the Syrian leader, is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday. This marks Al Shara’s first visit to a Western country as he grapples with sectarian violence in Syria. The French government expressed its commitment to supporting the Syrian people through this visit.

An adviser to President Macron noted, “The fact that we are the first western country to receive Ahmad Al Shara shows the President’s continued support to the Syrian people.” However, due to Al Shara’s status under UN sanctions, France had to obtain a special exemption to facilitate his trip.

Macron intends to reiterate France’s dedication to fostering a stable Syria that respects all communities. His office mentioned that the meeting aligns with France’s long-standing commitment to those in Syria seeking peace and democracy. Macron is also expected to stress the importance of stabilizing the region and addressing terrorism.

After their discussions, the two leaders plan to hold a joint press conference. Al Shara had originally received an invitation from Macron back in February to visit France. In March, Macron extended the invitation again but made it contingent upon establishing an inclusive government in Syria.

Al Shara has voiced aspirations for a multi-confessional, multi-ethnic government that safeguards minority groups. Notably, France was among the first nations to send a Foreign Minister to Damascus following President Bashar Al Assad’s ousting in December, sparked by the rebellion led by Al Shara.

Since then, France has been working toward reopening its embassy in Syria, which had been shut in 2012 after many Western countries cut ties with Assad’s regime. The new charge d’affaires to Syria is expected to be Jean-Baptiste Faivre, an Arabic-speaking diplomat who recently concluded his assignment in Qatar.

Moreover, recent bilateral engagement was highlighted by a significant deal between Syria and French company CMA CGM, which will see investments towards port development and infrastructure improvements. However, recovery efforts in Syria are hampered by sanctions and analysts estimate rebuilding the country could cost around $250 billion.

The conversation surrounding sanctions will likely be part of Al Shara’s agenda in Paris. While he seeks to fortify international ties, Syria has witnessed violent sectarian clashes that have resulted in over 1,700 casualties. This surge in violence leads many to question the new government’s ability to manage extremist factions.

The situation has drawn attention from Israel, which has conducted numerous airstrikes within Syria, purportedly aimed at protecting its Druze population. Maintaining relations with this community is critical for Israeli policymakers. Al Shara’s visit signifies a broader strategy by the new Syrian government to gain foreign support necessary for economic recovery.

Additionally, Al Shara’s Foreign Minister has recently engaged in talks with U.S. State Department representatives, marking a noteworthy development. Prior to that, Syria was represented at the UN with its new flag. There’s also been progress regarding financial aid as Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed to resolve Syria’s debts to the World Bank.

In a recent shift, Britain lifted some sanctions affecting Syria’s economy, including key sectors like defense and energy. These steps signal a warming international attitude towards Syria amidst its ongoing recovery.

The upcoming meeting between Ahmad Al Shara and Emmanuel Macron represents a pivotal moment for Syria as it seeks to re-establish itself on the world stage. With hopes of fostering a more inclusive government, the discussions will tackle pressing issues such as sectarian violence and economic recovery. This event is significant not only for bilateral relations but also in the context of international efforts aimed at rebuilding Syria in a post-civil war era.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com