Reuters reported that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will head a Syrian delegation to participate in the G7 summit scheduled to be held in France in June.

The agency quoted three sources it described as familiar with the matter on Thursday, 21 May, one of whom said an invitation had been sent to al-Sharaa to attend the summit from 15 to 17 June in Évian-les-Bains, southeastern France.

The agency said the invitation was delivered by hand to Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, who attended the group’s financial talks earlier this week in Paris.

The source, a Syrian official, said Syria’s participation in the talks would likely focus on the country’s role as a potential strategic hub for supply chains after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the agency.

Barnieh Participates in Finance Meeting

Reuters had previously reported that Syria would take part in a closed session with G7 finance ministers and central bank governors in the French capital, Paris.

The agency quoted a source it described as familiar with the matter on 18 May as saying Finance Minister Barnieh was expected to attend the meeting, and that discussions would focus on Syria’s sustainable recovery and reintegration into the global financial system.

The meeting was scheduled to mainly discuss global trade tensions, the repercussions of the war in the Middle East, and the supply chain and energy crisis, according to Reuters.

This is considered Syria’s first participation in the summit since it was founded in 1975, with world leaders expected to attend, including US President Donald Trump.

Syria and Ukraine are expected to participate in parts of the discussions, underscoring the G7’s interest in the stability of countries considered pivotal to regional and global security, according to the agency.

Syria to Join G7 Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Paris

European Steps

Reuters earlier quoted a source it described as familiar with the matter as saying Syria’s participation comes as part of preparations for the G7 leaders’ summit scheduled for June, and reflects a trend toward bringing the administration of Syrian President al-Sharaa closer to major economies.

He added that Damascus’ participation in the G7 financial track represents a new step in its efforts to return to the international system, attract support for reconstruction efforts, and present itself as a pivotal state in the transformations reshaping the region.

The G7 includes the industrialized countries of Canada, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, the United States, and Italy.

Recent months have witnessed European steps linked to reopening channels of economic cooperation with Syria after years of frozen relations and broad restrictions on trade and financial exchange, alongside signs of a review of some economic sanctions tools and the easing of specific restrictions related to commercial and financial activities.

The European Union also announced on 11 May support packages directed toward recovery projects and improving basic services in Syria, as part of support tracks linked to reconstruction and strengthening economic stability, amid an international trend toward expanding gradual economic engagement with Syria through technical and development channels.