French President Emmanuel Macron will host Ahmed Al-Charaa, interim president of the Syrian transitional authorities, at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday, May 7, according to sources close to the presidency.
During the meeting, Macron is expected to reaffirm France’s support for the building of a “new Syria”—described as “free, stable, sovereign, and respectful of all components of Syrian society.”
Al-Charaa had been invited to France as early as February. However, the visit was contingent on the formation of a Syrian government representative of civil society and the establishment of adequate security guarantees. Early discussions between the two parties were reportedly “very positive.”
This will be the Syrian transitional leader’s first official visit to Europe. According to the Élysée, the meeting is part of France’s long-standing commitment to support Syrians in their aspirations for peace and democracy.
