France Reaffirms Support for Syria’s Recovery

(MENAFN) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Tuesday reiterated France’s dedication to aiding Syria’s recovery, reconstruction, and economic renewal, while also strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

The announcement followed a meeting in Paris between Barrot and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.

According to a statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the two officials discussed shared interests and explored ways to deepen strategic collaboration between their nations.

France additionally conveyed that its companies are prepared to resume operations in Syria, signaling potential economic engagement. Barrot emphasized “France’s commitment to backing Syria’s path toward recovery, reconstruction and economic revitalization, as well as expanding bilateral cooperation,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, a Syrian government source revealed that new negotiations with Israel began Monday under U.S. mediation, aimed at reviving the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Despite Syria posing no threat, Israeli forces have reportedly conducted near-daily incursions into Syrian territory, particularly in Quneitra’s countryside, detaining civilians, establishing checkpoints, interrogating passersby, and damaging farmland.

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, Israel expanded its control over the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone—an action that violated the 1974 agreement with Syria.

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