Damascus, July 7 (SANA)PresidentAhmad al-Sharaaand French PresidentEmmanuel Macronon Tuesday attended a Syrian-French roundtable at thePeople’s PalaceinDamascus, bringing together senior officials, business leaders and investors ahead of the signing of a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral investment andeconomic cooperation.

Addressing participants, President al-Sharaa welcomed theFrench delegationand described Syria as entering a new phase of economic recovery and openness.

“Welcome to the new Syria. Gathered in this hall today are leaders of industry and business, executives who manage global shipping fleets, build aircraft, operate airports, and develop energy and water networks,” President al-Sharaa said. “The People’s Palace welcomes you to witness a country that has chosen to rise and to open its doors to those who wish to help build its future.”

President al-Sharaa highlighted Syria’s geographic position as a strategic link between the Mediterranean, the Gulf and Iraq.

“Following the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the world has come to recognize the value of safe and stable trade corridors. Today, Syria’s geography has regained its vital role as an indispensable crossroads in the global network of transport and trade routes,” he said.

The president pointed to recent investment in the Port of Latakia, noting that the CMA CGM Group signed a €230 million agreement to develop the port 14 months ago before committing an additional €200 million less than a year later to expand its handling capacity.

President al-Sharaa outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Syria’s reconstruction, including the modernization of airports and air navigation systems, energy exploration in Syria’s territorial waters, upgrades to electricity and water infrastructure, and investment in university hospitals, the food processing industry, digital infrastructure and the civil registry.

“Our industrial cities are ready to become a platform for your investments,” the president said. “We are building a modern investment environment governed by the rule of law and strong institutions.”

Macron said France was prepared to deepen economic engagement with Syria through expanded cooperation.

“There will be expanded joint economic committees to support Syria’s reconstruction, in partnership with Gulf countries,” Macron said.

He added that France is ready to build trust with Syria and become a partner in several sectors, including energy and banking.

“Syria faces many challenges, but there are also many opportunities for our partnership. France will always stand alongside the Syrian people,” Macron said.

The meeting was held ahead of the signing of several bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding covering a range of investment sectors, as part of efforts by both countries to strengthen economic cooperation and support Syria’s reconstruction.