PARIS — Syria's new government participated in the G7 summit in France for the first time, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa attending as a guest nation representative, officials and sources confirmed.
The summit took place from June 15 to 17, 2026, in Évian-les-Bains, southeastern France. Sharaa's attendance marked Syria's first participation in the forum since its founding in 1975, following the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the establishment of a transitional government.
An invitation to Sharaa was hand-delivered to Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh during earlier G7 financial talks in Paris, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Syrian leader's presence came as the country seeks greater international engagement and economic support amid ongoing reconstruction efforts.
The G7 gathering, hosted by France, included leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with European Union representatives. Other guest nations invited included Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.
Syria's involvement reflects a gradual normalization of its international standing. The transitional government under Sharaa, who previously led opposition forces, has undertaken steps such as government reshuffles and outreach to global powers since assuming power. Details of specific discussions involving the Syrian delegation at the summit remained limited in initial reports.
"This participation is an important step in Syria's reintegration into the international community," a Syrian official was cited as saying in reports on the country's positioning as a potential strategic hub for supply chains.
Some Western officials and analysts have viewed the invitation as recognition of progress in Syria's transition, while others have called for continued scrutiny regarding human rights, governance reforms and accountability for past conflicts. The European Union has resumed certain cooperation agreements with Syria in recent months.
As of June 17, 2026, the summit concluded with discussions on global economic issues, security and other matters. No immediate outcomes specifically tied to Syrian engagement were detailed in public statements. The new government's attendance underscores shifting diplomatic dynamics in the Middle East following regional changes.
