Macron meets Syrian president after Damascus blasts
Al Jazeera reported several people were hurt in two explosions near the French president’s hotel during his Damascus visit.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
French President Emmanuel Macron met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus after two explosions near the hotel where Macron was staying, Al Jazeera reported. Several people were hurt in the blasts, according to the broadcaster.
The visit marked the first trip to Syria by a European Union leader since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera reported. The meeting centered on Syria’s reconstruction and efforts to renew ties with Europe.
Al Jazeera reported that the explosions happened near Macron’s hotel before the meeting with al-Sharaa. The broadcaster did not give an exact injury count or report who was responsible for the blasts.
Macron’s trip placed France at the center of early European engagement with Syria’s new leadership, according to Al Jazeera’s account of the visit. The talks with al-Sharaa were framed around rebuilding Syria and reopening relations with European governments after Assad’s fall.
Al-Sharaa, identified by Al Jazeera as Syria’s president, hosted Macron in the Syrian capital as the country seeks support for reconstruction. The report did not provide details on any agreements reached during the meeting.
The blasts underscored the security risks surrounding high-level diplomacy in Damascus, according to the events reported by Al Jazeera. No further details were provided on the condition of those injured.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.