French President Emmanuel Macron visited the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus alongside Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on July 6.

Macron's trip is the first trip by a major Western leader to Syria since the country's political transition in late 2024, Syrian and French media reported.

The visit signals a marked shift in Europe's posture towards Syria's interim authorities, as Paris moves to reopen high-level political and economic engagement with Damascus and position French firms for a role in reconstruction after nearly 14 years of conflict.

The trip to one of Islam's most significant religious sites followed a dinner between the two leaders in Damascus' Old City and formed part of Macron's two-day visit.

French authorities kept the trip confidential until Macron's aircraft landed, citing security concerns and the need to protect the presidential delegation.

Macron signed the mosque's guest book, describing it as a place embodying "centuries of history, religions and civilisations."

He said Syria would "move forward once again thanks to its people, its unity and its faith in the future," and said France would stand alongside the country in that process.

France and Syria have begun returning EUR51mn ($58.3mn) in assets confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the late uncle of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Macron's office said. France will also provide technical assistance to the Central Bank of Syria as part of efforts to support the country's economic recovery.

French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM signed a partnership agreement with Syria during the visit, a further step in expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Al-Sharaa said France had been among the first countries to engage with Syria's new authorities and had played a constructive role in supporting efforts to ease international sanctions.

He said Syria needed cooperation in infrastructure, energy, industry, finance, and the rebuilding of state institutions, with French companies well placed to contribute.

Al-Sharaa announced that Syria was close to signing a contract to purchase eight Airbus aircraft and said he hoped deliveries would begin soon.

He said the country offered significant investment opportunities, particularly in rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the conflict.

The visit took place under heightened security after two improvised explosive devices detonated in central Damascus on July 7, injuring at least 18 people, including four police officers.

The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had stayed overnight, but outside the security perimeter surrounding the French delegation.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, and there was no indication the explosions were linked to the visit.