Macron says Syria must not ‘be destabilized’ by blasts, pledges support from French special forces

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for rule of law in Syria during his visit to Damascus, as the country transitions from the longtime rule of toppled president Bashar al-Assad.

“It is necessary that the dictatorship be succeeded by a genuine rule of law,” Macron says in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus, adding that it “will allow the building of a new Syria and its prosperity.”

Macron says Syria should not let the blasts that wounded 18 people during his landmark visit affect the country’s stability.

Alongside Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Macron calls to “not let ourselves be destabilized” after the attacks, while Sharaa salutes Macron’s “courage” for continuing his visit after the bombings.

Macron says that France is working to redefine its security and military cooperation with Syria, including the potential support of French special forces to fight against Islamic State in the country.

“France remains committed to the fight against terrorism in the region,” Macron says. “So we are also ready, within a framework that we are currently redefining, to provide support through our special forces in the fight against terrorism and terrorist groups.”

Macron says Paris is also ready to look at possible partnerships to enable the equipping and diversification of Syria’s armed forces.