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July 2026

Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)
Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)

Syria and France commit to long-term cooperation during French president’s historic visit to Damascus

7 July 2026.  Calling Emmanuel Macron’s visit a historic milestone, President al-Sharaa said that Syria and France are “laying the foundations for a partnership built on tangible projects that serve the interests of our two peoples.”  They restored ambassadorial ties and agreed on broad political, economic and security cooperation.Read more at: SANA

French President Emmanuel Macron during joint press conference with Syria’s president at the People's Palace in Damascus, July 7, 2026. (SANA)
French President Emmanuel Macron during joint press conference with Syria’s president at the People's Palace in Damascus, July 7, 2026. (SANA)

France announces its readiness to return € 50 million of seized illicit funds to Syria

7 July 2026.  The signing of a declaration of intent between the French and Syrian foreign ministers will initiate the process of recovering €50 million in Syrian assets confiscated by France’s judicial system. The agreement includes the restoration of 23 artifacts that had been on loan to the Arab World Institute in Paris.Read more at: SANA

Rahmah [meaning compassion] Worldwide Foundation honours 180 orphaned children during a ceremony at the Damascus Opera House, July 5, 2026. (SANA)
Rahmah [meaning compassion] Worldwide Foundation honours 180 orphaned children during a ceremony at the Damascus Opera House, July 5, 2026. (SANA)

Damascus ceremony honors children orphaned by those who sacrificed for the revolution

6 July 2026.  Jointly sponsored by government and humanitarian agencies, the event highlighted the importance attached by Syria to supporting orphaned children. Ministry officials stated that caring for children of martyrs is a national humanitarian responsibility, and that investing in people is central to the new Syria.Read more at: SANA

A Syrian delegation participates in the Green Climate Fund’s 45th Board meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, June 29 to July 3. (Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, Syria)
A Syrian delegation participates in the Green Climate Fund’s 45th Board meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, June 29 to July 3. (Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, Syria)

Green Climate Fund approves $27.7 million grant for Syria’s water security

3 July 2026. The purpose of the grant from the GCF—the world’s largest fund dedicated to financing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries—is to address water scarcity in regions of Syria most affected by reduced rainfall and drought resulting from climate change.Read more at: SANA

President Ahmad al-Sharaa and First Lady Latifa al-Droubi meet with Syrian-American women professionals at the People’s Palace in Damascus. (SANA)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa and First Lady Latifa al-Droubi meet with Syrian-American women professionals at the People’s Palace in Damascus. (SANA)

President, First Lady and Syrian-American professional women discuss enhancing women’s role in Syria’s recovery

3 July 2026.  President al-Sharaa and First Lady Latifa al-Droubi met with a delegation of US women in healthcare, education, and community work on ways to strengthen women as active partners in Syria’s rebuilding, aiming to prepare a younger generation with requisite knowledge and skills.Read more at: SANA

People’s Assembly building in Damascus, as the new parliament is formed. (SANA)
People’s Assembly building in Damascus, as the new parliament is formed. (SANA)

Completion of new People’s Assembly membership marks milestone in Syria’s transition to democracy

2 July 2026.  With 70 appointments by the president, adding to 137 elected members, Syria’s transitional parliament is complete. The appointees include figures from diverse spheres of Syrian life, including 15 women, plus individuals who suffered years of detention and loss of limbs in Syria’s liberation struggle.Read more at: SANA

Foreign Minister al-Shaibani announces Syrian–Lebanese Joint Higher Committee agreement marking a new phase of cooperation. (SANA)
Foreign Minister al-Shaibani announces Syrian–Lebanese Joint Higher Committee agreement marking a new phase of cooperation. (SANA)

Syria’s Foreign Minister announces new step in Syrian-Lebanese relations based on mutual respect, aimed at long-term cooperation

2 July 2026.  Minister al-Shaibani announced that Syria and Lebanon are entering a new phase of relations, through a Joint Higher Committee, aimed at long-term cooperation based on mutual interests. He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to regional stability, constructive dialogue and shared development.Read more at: SANA

Musicians perform during Syria, The First Symphony concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
Musicians perform during Syria, The First Symphony concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

Western and Arabic musical traditions come together in Damascus

7 July 2026.  Western classical music and traditional Arabic musical heritage came together at the Damascus Opera House on Monday during “Syria: The First Symphony,” a concert featuring Syrian pianist and composer Gaswan Zerikly alongside the Arab Music Ensemble for Heritage Revival. Speaking to SANA, Zerikly said the title reflects Syria’s historical significance as the birthplace of the world’s earliest known musical notation, discovered in the ancient city of Ugarit. Read more at: SANA

Al-Nawfara cafe
Al-Nawfara cafe

Damascus : a city tired from outside, alive from within

By Zeina Yagan After landing at Damascus International Airport, and while being transferred to the airport building, I could not hold back my tears. Am I really in Damascus? From the very first glance, I felt a deep sadness. The airport simply does not suit you, Damascus. You deserve a better one. And yet, amid this feeling of heaviness, there was warmth. The people working inside the airport were highly professional, generous, and smiling. They were doing their best to leave a warm first impression on Syrians coming back home. In that moment, longing prevailed over everything else. Read More …

Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)
Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)

China’s industrial expertise and technology will undergird Syria’s reconstruction

29 June 2026.  With the launch of the Syria Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing, Syria will draw on Chinese expertise and advanced technologies in reconstruction and economic development. The platform, initiated by the Syrian-Chinese Business Council, reflects growing cooperation between the two nations.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Transport Minister, Yarub Badr, outlines new highway rehabilitation plans. (L24)
Transport Minister, Yarub Badr, outlines new highway rehabilitation plans. (L24)

Major highways being rehabilitated, easing movement throughout Syria and to neighboring countries

29 June 2026.  Syria’s Transport Minister announced that highway rehabilitation projects have begun, with modern international equipment and technical standards, funded by the state to ensure rapid completion. The first major project will extend from Syria’s border with Jordan to Turkey; the second will link Damascus and northeastern Syria, with more being planned.Read more at: LEVANT 24

A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)
A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)

Syria participates in Hamburg Sustainability Conference, fostering global alliances

29 June 2026.  The Syrian delegation, led by Social Affairs and Labor Minister, Hind Kabawat, and Syria’s envoy to Germany, Mohammad Shukri, took part in discussions on the ramifications of the Hormuz crisis and development issues, along with high level representatives of 115 countries.Read more at: SANA

Participants in the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments in Cairo. (SANA)
Participants in the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments in Cairo. (SANA)

Arab Parliament unites in support of Syria against Israeli aggression

28 June 2026.  The Arab Parliament, consisting of 22 member states, reaffirmed its backing of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while condemning Israel’s repeated attacks on Syria and Lebanon. It reaffirmed its support for the inalienable rights of Palestinians and called for closer coordination among the member states.Read more at: SANA

Janay Boulos, left, and Abd Alkader Habak in Birds of War. (Abd Alkader Habak:Habak Films)
Janay Boulos, left, and Abd Alkader Habak in Birds of War. (Abd Alkader Habak:Habak Films)

A love story between London and Syria unfolds through journalism, danger and devotion

2 July 2026.  A new soon-to-be-released documentary follows BBC journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian photojournalist Abd Alkader Habak, tracing their long-distance relationship through war, shared footage, personal memories and eventual reunion, revealing humanity and love amid devastation. Read more at: THE GUARDIAN.COM/FILM Watch film trailer at: BIRDS OF WAR

A local man demonstrates traditional coffee preparation at the Jayroud Private Folk Heritage Museum in Rural Damascus. (SANA)
A local man demonstrates traditional coffee preparation at the Jayroud Private Folk Heritage Museum in Rural Damascus. (SANA)

Jayroud’s new private folk heritage museum preserves Syria’s social memory and century old traditions

2 July 2026.  Syria’s first private folk heritage museum opened in Jayroud, showcasing Qalamoun’s social life and traditions. Officials and researchers say it strengthens cultural preservation, documents community history, and highlights privatesector support for heritage protection. Read more at: SANA