Damascus, July 7 (SANA)TheSyrian-French Business Councilhosted a reception for the visiting French delegation in Damascus on Monday evening, bringing together government officials and business leaders from both countries on the sidelines of FrenchPresident Emmanuel Macron‘s visit to Syria.

The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, was attended by Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani, along with Syrian and French business representatives and economic stakeholders.

Antoine Tezenas du Montcel, a member of the French delegation, told SANA the visit sends an important signal for strengthening the historic ties and friendship between France and Syria while helping revive bilateral economic relations after years of decline.

He said the visit also reflects support for Syria’s reconstruction and development efforts.

Tezenas du Montcel added that the current period offers Syria an opportunity to deepen its engagement with the international community and restore its regional and international role, expressing hope that the country will achieve greater stability and development in the coming years.

Syrian-French Business Council Chairman Jamaleddine al-Qasimi described the visit as an important milestone in Syrian-French relations, particularly in the economic and investment sectors.

He said the two sides are looking forward to signing memorandums of understanding covering healthcare, infrastructure, transport, legal affairs and education, which would help open new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

Al-Qasimi said the council, which is based in both Damascus and Paris, continues to strengthen cooperation with major French companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting their role in stimulating markets, creating jobs and supporting economic activity.

He added that preparations are underway to hold a Syrian-French economic conference in Damascus this autumn to further expand business partnerships and investment opportunities.

Syrian-French Business Council member Suhail Kayali said Macron’s visit represents an important step toward supporting investment and reconstruction, opening the way for French and European companies to participate in Syria’s economic and development projects.

Kayali said Syria offers significant investment opportunities across key sectors, including energy, oil and gas, phosphate, tourism, infrastructure, electricity and water. He expressed hope that French companies would take advantage of the opportunities available during the reconstruction phase, citing their expertise and longstanding ties with Syria.

Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening on the first visit by a French president since 2009, marking what Syrian officials described as a new phase in Syrian-French relations based on mutual respect and an equal partnership.