17/01/2025

France to host Syria conference following Macron-Salman talks

DARAMSUQ / PARIS — The Élysée Palace announced that Paris will host a conference on Syria on 13 February, following a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The French presidency stated that the two leaders discussed the situation in Syria, reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting a just and inclusive political transition that upholds the rights of all Syrians.

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that lifting sanctions on Syria and providing reconstruction aid should be contingent on clear political and security commitments from the new administration in Daramsuq (Damascus).

Riyadh recently hosted Arab-international meetings on Syria, underscoring the importance of lifting sanctions, advancing a Syrian political transition process involving political and social forces, and ensuring the participation of Syria’s diverse ethnic components. The discussions also highlighted the need to address challenges through dialogue to safeguard the rights of all Syrians.