The French chargé d’affaires in Syria, Jean-Baptiste Faivre, began his duties yesterday, May 15, 2025, by attending the graduation activities of the “MARES” journalism training program at the newsrooms of the Enab Baladi organization in Damascus.
In his first statement from Syria, Faivre said that his arrival today marks an official return for France, adding, “I am happy to be with you today at the Enab Baladi office on my first visit as chargé d’affaires.”
This step comes days after the visit of the transitional Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to France, which Faivre described as “important and perhaps historic.”
According to the chargé d’affaires, al-Sharaa’s visit to France was an opportunity for President Macron to clarify his country’s position towards Syria.
French President Emmanuel Macron sent a message stating that the lifting of sanctions on Syria should be unconditional, according to the chargé d’affaires, adding that his country has made efforts to persuade friends and partners regarding this.
Faivre welcomed the US President Donald Trump’s step to lift sanctions, saying, “We are pleased with the decision of our American brothers to move forward with lifting the sanctions,” repeating the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria.
Trump announced on May 13 that he was lifting US sanctions imposed on Syria, stating during a speech at the Saudi-US Investment Forum, “It is time to give Syria a chance, and I wish it good luck.”
Transitional Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited France at the invitation of his counterpart Macron on May 7, where they both emphasized during a press conference at the Élysée Palace the necessity of lifting sanctions and stabilizing Syria.
Beginning of the mission
The French chargé d’affaires believes that “it is important to support Syria in light of the enormous challenges it faces, especially the economic ones.”
Faivre added, “I start my mission in Syria today to contribute to the success of the transitional phase, considering it a historic opportunity.”
The chargé d’affaires begins his mission by working to strengthen the friendship between the Syrian and French peoples, saying, “We are proud to stand with the Syrian people,” pointing to his country’s respect for the great dignity of the Syrian people during the long and harsh years of indescribable suffering and crises.
In response to Enab Baladi‘s question about France’s participation in the reconstruction process in Syria, the chargé d’affaires said, “We have a strong will to participate in the reconstruction in Syria, but the most important thing now is to proceed with lifting the sanctions until completed, as participation in reconstruction will be under entirely different circumstances.”
Jean-Baptiste Faivre served as France’s ambassador to Qatar from September 2021 until he announced he was assuming the position of chargé d’affaires at the French embassy in Syria.
Faivre posted on his account on the “X” platform today, “I am honored to take up my duties as chargé d’affaires at the French Embassy in Syria, based in Beirut.
He continued, “From today, let us work to continue rebuilding the historic relationship between France and Syria, to serve the interests of our two peoples.”
Al-Sharaa’s visit to France
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited France on May 7 and met with President Macron in the first visit of a Syrian president to Europe in years.
Macron confirmed during a joint press conference with al-Sharaa, held after their talks, his support for a peaceful political transition that guarantees Syria’s stability and sovereignty, considering it essential for the security of the region and Europe.
Macron addressed al-Sharaa, saying, “I rely on you,” adding, “We will meet him (al-Sharaa) halfway if he continues on his path,” as he put it.
He noted that Syria faces significant difficulties, calling for the international community to cooperate with and support it to overcome these challenges.
Regarding sanctions, he stated that France will work to gradually lift European sanctions on Syria.
He added, “We remain engaged with the United States and our partners regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria.”
For his part, President al-Sharaa stated that he discussed with Macron ways to advance joint relations, reconstruction files, security, justice, and equality.
Regarding coastal bloody events, al-Sharaa indicated he acted against sectarian attacks and opened the doors for an international investigation committee regarding the attacks.
Al-Sharaa highlighted the steps taken by the government after the coastal events, forming two committees, the first to investigate the events and the second for national reconciliation.
He also discussed with President Macron France’s contribution to reconstruction efforts in Syria.
Al-Sharaa considered that overcoming the challenges facing Syria is hindered by sanctions, stating that there is no justification for their continuation, while also pointing to “good omens for the Syrian people after this meeting” without elaborating on them.
France’s charge d’affaires begins duties in Syria Enab Baladi.
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