Latakia:The French frigate Surcouf docked at Syria's Latakia port on Thursday, marking the first visit by a French military vessel to the country, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Syrian Navy and Coastal Defense Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad al-Saud received a French military delegation aboard the frigate. The delegation was led by Adm. Makara Ok, with officers from both sides participating in the event.

Discussions between the two sides focused on enhancing military cooperation in the maritime sector and developing bilateral relations. This visit is considered a step towards strengthening ties between the two nations.

French Embassy charge d'affaires in Syria, Jean-Baptiste Faivre, stated on the social media platform X that this visit demonstrates France's support for Syria's stability and sovereignty. The aim of the talks was to establish a foundation for future maritime cooperation.

Faivre highlighted that this was the first visit by a French military vessel to Syria, although no specific timeframe was provided. On September 23, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra engaged in discussions with a delegation from France's Directorate General of Armaments to explore ways to enhance defense cooperation.

Earlier, on July 7, Syria and France signed a framework declaration in Damascus, focusing on security and defense cooperation, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The Surcouf, a La Fayette-class multipurpose frigate with hull number F711, has been in service since February 7, 1997, as per the French Armed Forces Ministry.