PARIS – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Paris on Wednesday, marking his first trip to Europe since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December.

During this visit, al-Sharaa aims to secure international support to bolster stability in Syria, which has been mired in civil conflict for over a decade.

Al-Sharaa is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

This meeting comes amid significant geopolitical tensions and an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Despite being on a terrorism sanctions list due to his previous leadership role in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was linked to al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa has been granted a travel exemption by the United Nations to attend this crucial diplomatic engagement.

The discussions will reportedly focus on several key points: ensuring Syria’s sovereignty and security, addressing the treatment of minority groups in light of recent violence against Alawites and Druze, counterterrorism efforts against remnants of Islamic State militants, and potential collaboration on humanitarian aid and economic support.

French officials have indicated that easing sanctions may be on the agenda.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that France would not extend unconditional support, stating, "We are not writing a blank cheque, and we will judge (him) on actions." Barrot advocated for Syria’s commitment to combating impunity and mitigating sectarian violence, underscoring concerns that a collapse of governance in Syria could allow for a resurgence of Islamic State influence.

In Paris, the visit occurs in the context of protests organized by the Franco-Alawite Collective, which plans to demonstrate against al-Sharaa.

This protest follows violent events in Syria's coastal regions in March, leading the group to file legal complaints against al-Sharaa and several officials for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide.

Historically, France has been a vocal critic of Assad’s regime and celebrated his removal.

It has sought to strengthen ties with Sharaa’s transitional governance, with Macron recently participating in a trilateral video conference with al-Sharaa and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to address border tensions.

In a further sign of diplomatic engagement, France appointed a chargé d'affaires in Damascus last month as part of efforts to reopen its embassy in Syria.

France’s diplomatic approach towards Syria has included acting as a mediator between al-Sharaa and Kurdish representatives, particularly as U.S. involvement in the region has diminished.

French officials have engaged in discussions with U.S. counterparts regarding Washington's withdrawal and Paris’s potential to take on a more prominent role in the evolving dynamics of post-Assad Syria.