Macron reaffirms French support for Rojava, outlines strategic Middle East vision

In his address to French ambassadors, Macron emphasized France's unwavering commitment to Kurdish allies, stating, France would not abandon "freedom fighters, like the Kurds" who are fighting extremist groups in Syria.

French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: AFP)

Jan. 6, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered strong assurances of continued support for Kurdish forces in Rojava during his annual diplomatic address, while outlining France's broader strategic vision for regional stability and international engagement.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the West must not be naive about the new authorities in Syria after the overthrowing of Bashar al-Assad and promised France would not abandon Kurdish fighters.

"We must regard the regime change in Syria without naivety," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors after Islamist-led forces toppled Assad on Dec. 8, 2024.

In his address to French ambassadors, Macron emphasized France's unwavering commitment to Kurdish allies, stating, France would not abandon "freedom fighters, like the Kurds" who are fighting extremist groups in Syria.

The French president specifically acknowledged Kurdish forces' crucial role in confronting terrorist organizations, particularly their sustained resistance against ISIS.

The French president also spoke about broader regional challenges, particularly describing Iran as "the main strategic and security challenge for France, the Europeans, the entire region and beyond," indicating continued diplomatic tension with Tehran.

This diplomatic position comes amid developing regional dynamics and echoes France's strategic interests in the Middle East.

Macron's explicit support for Syrian Kurdish forces signifies an extension of France's established policy of backing Kurdish-led anti-ISIS operations while promoting minority rights within Syria's political framework.

The timing of these statements conveys particular significance given ongoing regional tensions and shifting alliances in the Middle East.

The emphasis on backing Kurdish forces while concurrently advocating for inclusive Syrian governance underlines the complex balance France seeks to maintain in its Middle Eastern diplomatic strategy, especially as regional powers continue to vie for influence in post-conflict Syria.