Damascus, July 7 (SANA)President Ahmadal-Sharaaand French PresidentEmmanuel Macronon Tuesday declared a new phase inSyria-France relations, announcing an agreement to appoint ambassadors from both countries and pledging to expand political, economic and security cooperation following talks in Damascus.

Speaking at a joint press conference at thePeople’s Palace, the two leaders outlined a shared vision for strengthening bilateral relations, supporting Syria’s reconstruction, enhancing regional stability and reaffirming support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Presidental-Sharaadescribed Macron’s visit as “a historic milestone” and the first by a French President to Syria in 18 years.

“Today’s meeting marks a historic milestone. This visit crowns a path of quiet and substantive joint work and is the first visit by a French President to Syria in 18 years,” President al-Sharaa said.

The President said Syria was entering a new phase of international engagement.

“Today, Syria is opening its doors through an equal partnership and as an indispensable bridge linking East and West,” he said.

President al-Sharaa added that Syria continued to make progress toward national integration and had laid the foundations for long-term cooperation with France.

Reflecting on the two Presidents’ visit to Old Damascus on Monday evening, President al-Sharaa said the tour highlighted the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

“Last night, we walked together through the alleyways of Old Damascus, allowing the history and heritage of this ancient city to speak for themselves—from its mosques, churches and caravanserais, once again alive with the return of the Syrian people, to the Umayyad Mosque, which stands as a living testament to the greatness of this land and the enduring values it embodies.”

The President said discussions between the two sides had resulted in a broad package of economic agreements.

“What we are laying the foundations for today is a partnership built on tangible projects that serve the interests of our two peoples. Our discussions have produced a strategic package of agreements and contracts with leading French companies.”

Turning to regional issues, President al-Sharaa condemned the continued Israeli violations in southern Syria.

“We condemn the continued Israeli violations that undermine the security and stability of the entire region, and we reaffirm the need for Israel to withdraw from the territories it has occupied in southern Syria.”

The President said lasting regional stability required Israel’s compliance with the1974 Disengagement Agreementand its withdrawal from areas occupied since Dec. 8.

On Lebanon, President al-Sharaa said Syria and France shared support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and state institutions.

“Syria’s stability is inseparable from Lebanon’s stability, and vice versa. Syria is working to secure the shared border with Lebanon while supporting the Lebanese state and its legitimate institutions, enabling them to strengthen their authority and effectively address the country’s challenges.”

PresidentMacronreaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Syria and praised the resilience of the Syrian people.

“France’s ties with Syria are longstanding, and France pays tribute to the entire Syrian people, who have shown the world that they are united and cannot be broken.”

He stressed that the rule of law remained central to Syria’s future.

“Only the rule of law can enable the building of a new Syria, and it is essential that the Syrian state exercise authority over its entire territory.”

Macron said France supports a sovereign and stable Syria and sees opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.“France remains committed to a free and sovereign Syria. We reaffirm our support for its unity, territorial integrity and stability, and we believe in Syria’s return as a country at the heart of regional energy corridors. We also have an interest in supporting the rehabilitation of infrastructure in the energy and trade sectors.”

TheFrench Presidentsaid France was ready to expand cooperation in security, training and capacity building.

“The fight against terrorism is difficult, and you are pursuing it with determination. We are ready to provide assistance and cooperate in the field of security, particularly in strengthening capabilities, training and capacity building.”

Macron also emphasized accountability for past abuses.

“For Syria’s future, it is essential that the voices of the victims are heard, that justice is served, and that those responsible for abuses—whoever they may be—are brought to justice.”

He added that France would support judicial efforts and return illicit assets linked to the deposed ruling family.

“France stands ready to support Syria in prosecuting those responsible for these crimes. We will also return more than €50 million in illicit assets belonging to a member of the deposed ruling family.”

Addressing regional security, Macron condemned violations of state sovereignty.

“We condemn all violations of sovereignty by Israel. Israel has no right to violate the sovereignty and security of neighboring states.”

He said France applies the same principles regarding sovereignty across the region and reiterated support for Syria’s territorial integrity.

“Syria is a sovereign state, and all parties occupying Syrian territory must withdraw. Mechanisms must also be put in place to safeguard Syria’s interests.”

Macron also rejected calls for Syria’s partition.

“I reject all calls for the partition and fully support Syria’s unity and stability in all its diversity. Anyone who believes one component can succeed at the expense of another is mistaken.”

At the conclusion of the talks, Presidents al-Sharaa and Macron announced an agreement toappoint ambassadorsfrom both countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and building a new strategic partnership between Syria and France.

The visit also included the signing of a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering investment, transport, healthcare, higher education, banking, civil aviation, logistics and institutional cooperation, reflecting both countries’ commitment to expanding long-term cooperation.