Macron visits Damascus, pledges French support for Syria's rebuilding

French President Emmanuel Macron made a landmark visit to Damascus, meeting Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and declaring that "France stands by Syria's side." Both leaders aim to attract foreign investment for Syria's reconstruction. The visit was overshadowed by a twin explosion near Macron's hotel in central Damascus. France has been described as the most enthusiastic European nation in pushing for normalised relations with Syria.