President Ahmed al-Sharaa will attend the G7 summit in France next mont, making Syria a guest nation at the forum for the first time since it was founded in 1975.

The summit is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains. Sources said the official invitation was personally delivered this week to Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh during G7 finance meetings held in Paris.

The development marks a significant diplomatic moment for Damascus as Syria seeks to rebuild international relations following more than a decade of war, sanctions, and political isolation.

According to Syrian officials, Damascus plans to emphasize the country’s potential role as a strategic regional hub for supply chains and trade routes during discussions at the summit. Syrian representatives reportedly believe this position has gained increased importance amid continuing disruptions in maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional tensions and conflict involving Iran, the United States, and the Israeli occupation regime have severely affected shipping activity through the crucial waterway since fighting escalated earlier this year, placing additional pressure on global trade and energy markets.

Syrian authorities are expected to use the summit as an opportunity to encourage foreign investment and promote economic reconstruction efforts after 14 years of devastating conflict.

Although many Western sanctions imposed during the eras of former presidents Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad have been eased in recent years, Syria continues to face major challenges in restoring international banking ties and attracting large-scale foreign capital.

Analysts view the invitation as a possible sign of cautious diplomatic re-engagement between Syria and several Western powers amid shifting geopolitical and economic priorities in the Middle East.

The G7 grouping includes the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, and frequently invites selected non-member states to participate in discussions on major global political and economic issues. (ILKHA)