Syrian and French presidents agree to reappoint ambassadors after over a decade

(7 Jul 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AGENCY POOL Damascus, Syria - 07 July 2026 1. Wide of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron entering the room 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian President: “I salute President Emmanuel Macron for his courage. As soon as he received news of the explosion, he announced that the visit would continue and that he would proceed with his scheduled program. Certainly, there are many people who are displeased by Syria’s current progress and success. It may be difficult for those who have sought the destruction and devastation of countries and nations to accept these developments. As a result, such acts may occur. So, who bears responsibility? The investigations are currently underway, and I believe that those responsible for this heinous criminal act will be arrested as soon as possible. This only strengthens the determination and resolve of the Syrian state and all those who support it to continue moving forward with rebuilding Syria. The more we build, the more we will tighten the pressure on those who seek to sabotage and undermine the country.” 3. Wide of the presser 4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian President: “I am also pleased to announce today that we have agreed to begin the process of exchanging resident ambassadors between Damascus and Paris as soon as possible, as a step toward restoring diplomatic relations to their full normal status.” 5. Wide of the presser 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian President: “We clearly discussed the ongoing Israeli violations. Our firm position is that achieving genuine stability requires an international commitment to compel Israel to abide by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and to fully withdraw from all areas it has occupied since December 8. We strongly condemn these systematic attacks, which undermine the security of the entire region, and we look to France to play an active role in halting this escalation and ensuring respect for international law and agreements.” 7. Zoom in to the two presidents shaking hands at the end of their joint presser STORYLINE: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French Pesident Emmanuel Macron announced they have agreed to reappoint ambassadors after more than a decade, marking a major restoration of diplomatic ties. “I am also pleased to announce today that we have agreed to begin the process of exchanging resident ambassadors between Damascus and Paris as soon as possible, as a step toward restoring diplomatic relations to their full normal status,” al-Sharaa said. France had closed its embassy in 2012 but symbolically reopened it in early 2025. Macron, who played a major role in pushing Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions that were imposed on Syria under Assad, was in Syria before heading to Ankara, Turkey, later Tuesday for a NATO summit. Al-Sharaa also praised French President Emmanuel Macron for continuing his visit to Syria despite explosions that rocked the Syrian capital Damascus. A large plume of smoke was seen at the site of a blast near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Syrian media reported Macron was staying. Footage on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire and bloodstains on a busy street near the headquarters of the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...