Damascus Signing Ceremony
Syria and France signed a package of strategic agreements and memorandums of understanding at the People's Palace in Damascus on 7 July 2026, in the presence of the Syrian and French presidents. The deals span transport, aviation, banking, health, water and trade.
The package opened with a framework declaration for comprehensive cooperation, signed by the two countries' foreign ministers. It covers political affairs, counterterrorism, security and defense, accountability and institutional reform, social exchange and mobility, economic and investment ties, culture and heritage, education, and the file of missing persons.
Transport and Logistics
In the transport and logistics field, the head of Syria's General Authority for Borders and Customs and the chief executive of a major French shipping and logistics group signed a strategic partnership declaration covering maritime and air transport and logistics services.
Separately, the chief executive of Syria's aviation holding company signed a protocol with the same group to manage air cargo handling and market air freight services, part of an effort to rebuild the country's logistics links.
Reviving Civil Aviation
Syria's civil aviation authority signed a memorandum with France's transport ministry aimed at exchanging expertise and technical support, with the stated goal of reintegrating Syria into the global aviation system, including the European framework.
A further memorandum with a French technology firm targets the modernization of air navigation services, including communications, navigation and surveillance and air-traffic management systems, alongside training to raise operational safety and efficiency.
Banking and Public Services
In the financial field, the Central Bank of Syria signed a memorandum for institutional strengthening, technical assistance and capacity building. A health-sector memorandum and a cooperation agreement on modular water treatment and energy solutions in Homs province were also concluded.
The measures point to French technical involvement across several state institutions as Syria works to rebuild its administrative and financial capacity.
Economic Partnership
The Syrian-French and French-Syrian business councils signed a memorandum to deepen economic cooperation and develop bilateral trade. The two foreign ministers also signed a declaration of intent concerning funds described as looted by Rifaat al-Assad.
Taken together, the agreements mark a broad reopening of economic ties between the two states and set out sectors, from ports and aviation to banking and utilities, where cooperation is expected to advance.