France Begins Returning 51 Million Euros to Syria from Seized Funds of the Assad Family

SadaNews - President Emmanuel Macron's office stated today, Tuesday, that France and Syria have begun the process of returning 51 million euros to Syria, which had been seized from the late Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The office noted that France will provide technical assistance to the Central Bank of Syria, according to Reuters.

Macron's office stated that the French shipping group "CMA CGM" has entered into a partnership agreement with Syria during Macron's visit to Damascus to meet with his Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Shara.

The office clarified that the agreement includes handling air cargo at Damascus International Airport. Syria announced in May the signing of a contract with "CMA CGM" to operate two dry ports.

The agreement with the group is part of several agreements with French companies announced by Macron's office.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated today, Tuesday, that his country is ready to support reconstruction in Syria, emphasizing that they will be partners in investing in several vital areas.

This came in a speech he delivered while presiding over a roundtable meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara at the People's Palace in Damascus, preparing to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding in various investment fields.

Macron announced the presence of expanded joint economic committees working to support the reconstruction in Syria in partnership with Gulf countries, confirming his country's readiness to build trust with Syria and that it will be a partner in several areas including energy and banking, according to the Syrian news agency "SANA."

He added that despite the challenges facing Syria, there are opportunities to build real partnerships with it, "and we will always stand by the Syrian people."

President al-Shara stated that Syria looks forward to France being a major economic partner during the next phase, emphasizing that those who invest in Syria early will reap the benefits of these opportunities swiftly.

He added that the government is working to build a modern investment environment based on institutions, alongside implementing banking reforms aimed at ensuring business fluidity and enhancing the attractiveness of the economy.

The Syrian president noted that his country has regained its vital role in the region, affirming that the Syrian industrial cities are preparing to turn into new platforms for global investments, calling on foreign companies to participate in reconstruction projects through genuine partnerships.

French President Macron began an official visit to Syria yesterday with his accompanying delegation, the first by a French president since 2009, aimed at enhancing Syrian-French relations based on mutual respect and equitable partnership.