Damascus: Syria's president on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the country's reconstruction, inviting French companies to participate in rebuilding the country during a business forum in Damascus attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ahmad al-Sharaa's comments come during a Syrian-French roundtable meeting at the Presidential Palace ahead of the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding. Sharaa welcomed French business leaders, emphasizing the strategic importance of Syria's location in regional trade and the recent disruptions to global shipping routes, which highlighted the need for secure transport corridors.

He pointed to the expansion of the Port of Latakia as a sign of investor confidence, citing a significant investment from French shipping giant CMA CGM. The company initially signed a £230 million ($270 million) agreement to develop the port and decided within a year to invest an additional £200 million to further boost its capacity.

The Syrian president detailed an integrated roadmap for reconstruction and partnership, which encompasses renewing the aviation fleet, modernizing air navigation systems, exploring energy resources, and upgrading essential infrastructure. He emphasized that Syria's industrial cities are prepared to host new manufacturing projects within a modern investment environment.

Sharaa expressed the desire for a strategic partnership with France to serve as a model for future relations with Europe and the international community, focusing on mutual interests. Macron's visit marks the first by a Western leader to Syria since the regime change in December 2024, signifying growing diplomatic engagement between Paris and Damascus. This follows Sharaa's visit to France earlier in 2025, indicating France's interest in expanding its political and economic influence in Syria.