Syrian, French presidents discuss over phone Syria’s unity, reconstruction

By Tarek Chouiref

ISTANBUL (AA) - Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held a phone conversation on Sunday to discuss the evolving situation in Syria, with both leaders underscoring the importance of preserving the country’s unity and sovereignty, according to media reports.

The exchange focused on recent political and security developments, with the two sides voicing opposition to separatist trajectories and stressing the need to safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity, Syrian news agency SANA reported.

Sharaa and Macron also agreed on the urgency of reconstruction of Syria, which emerged from nearly 14 years of civil war in December 2024. They underscored the importance of creating conditions that would support economic and development projects, amid growing regional and international attention to post-conflict recovery.

The call came as Damascus moves to consolidate state authority following the announcement of a nationwide ceasefire and a full reintegration agreement with the SDF group, marking a significant shift in the country’s internal dynamics.

This followed a military operation launched by the Syrian Army, through which it regained wide areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated violations by the SDF of earlier agreements signed with Damascus about a year ago.

The Syrian government has intensified efforts to restore security nationwide since the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, after 24 years in power.