France sees opening in Trump's USAID cuts to lead Syria humanitarian aid
The Paris conference on Syria positions France at the forefront of international efforts to support the interim regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa.
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron convened an international conference on Syria this Thursday with the aim of spearheading humanitarian efforts and playing a pivotal role in stabilizing the country.
With the new US administration still reviewing its Syria policy — especially after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of USAID financing globally, including in Syria — France is stepping in to coordinate efforts among Syria’s partners and focusing on stabilization and the transition phase.
Third Syria conference
The Paris conference on Syria gathered representatives from Syria, its neighboring countries (excluding Israel, which was not invited), Arab states, international organizations, the United Nations and G7 members. Attendees included ministers or senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Italy, Canada, Japan, Turkey, the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
