Syria's New President Abu Mohammad al-Joulani Holds First Call with French President Macron, Plans Visit to France

Syria’s newly appointed president, Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, spoke today (Wednesday) on the phone with French President Emmanuel Macron. Following the conversation, the Syrian presidential office released a statement confirming that Macron congratulated al-Joulani on assuming office and extended an invitation for him to visit France in the coming weeks.

Since taking power nearly two months ago, al-Joulani has not visited any Western country. However, earlier this week, he left Syria for the first time, embarking on official visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Discussion on Sanctions and Post-Assad Syria

According to the Syrian presidential statement, the two leaders discussed the sanctions imposed by the international community on Damascus during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new leadership has been working to lift the economic and diplomatic restrictions placed on the country due to the former dictator’s policies.

During the call, al-Joulani thanked Macron for France’s support for the Syrian people over the past 14 years.

From Jihadist Leader to Syria’s Transitional President

Last week, al-Joulani appointed himself as Syria’s interim president, alongside the country’s transitional government. Previously, he led the jihadist rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a key role in the offensive that ultimately defeated the Syrian army and toppled the Assad regime after 13 years of war.

Macron Emphasizes Counterterrorism Efforts

A statement from the Élysée Palace said that during the conversation, Macron stressed the importance of combating terrorism, stating that this effort was “in the interest of the Syrian people, as well as the security of the French nation.”

Growing Diplomatic Engagement with Syria’s New Leadership

Since the fall of Assad’s regime, several high-ranking diplomats from both the Arab world and the West have traveled to Damascus to meet with Syria’s new leadership and assess the situation on the ground.

In early January, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Damascus alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. During their visit, Barrot hinted that some of the sanctions imposed on Syria could be lifted.

First Official Foreign Visits

At the beginning of the week, al-Joulani traveled to Saudi Arabia, marking his first official trip abroad since assuming power. In Riyadh, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Later in the week, he arrived in Ankara and held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Al-Joulani’s growing engagement with regional and international leaders signals an effort to secure legitimacy for Syria’s new government, as well as to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape of a post-Assad Middle East.