First EU country leader to hold phone call with Syria's interim president

The phone call took place on February 4, in the context of Syria entering a political transition period after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December.

According to the Élysée Palace, President Macron took the initiative to contact Mr. al-Sharaa, who was appointed as the interim president of Syria last week. During the conversation, the two leaders stressed the importance of continuing the fight against terrorism, and the French president expressed hope that the interim government would fully meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Al-Sharaa had previously met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during a visit by the two European officials to Damascus last month. During the meeting, the Syrian interim president notably shook hands with Barrot but refused to do the same with Baerbock.

According to the Syrian state news agency (SANA), President Macron congratulated al-Sharaa and stressed France's commitment to lifting sanctions on Syria. Last week, the EU announced it would ease some sanctions imposed under President Assad to help Syria rebuild after more than 13 years of civil war.

In addition, the French President also invited Mr. al-Sharaa to Paris in the near future. If it takes place, this will be the Syrian leader's first visit to Europe since taking power. France is expected to hold an international conference on Syria in Paris on February 13, with the participation of many high-ranking officials.

A diplomatic source told Politico that the Syrian foreign minister will be present at the event.

After taking office, al-Sharaa quickly embarked on international travel. On February 4, he traveled to Saudi Arabia, marking his first foreign trip as president. Two days later, he visited Ankara and met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Syria’s interim president used to lead the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the US and UK. However, the interim government in Syria is working to improve its image, convincing the international community of its commitment to respecting the rights of women, as well as religious and ethnic minorities. The new government has appointed a female governor of the Central Bank and has made moves to reach out to the country’s Christian, Kurdish and Alawite Muslim communities.

The French president's direct dialogue with the new Syrian leader shows that Paris is proactively shaping its policy towards Damascus, in the context of the EU considering adjusting its approach to the new government after the Assad era.