Syria joins G7 talks: what’s behind the invite?

Next month, Syria will take a seat at the G7 table in France. President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to attend the June summit in Évian-les-Bains, marking the country’s first appearance at the yearly gathering since it began in 1975. The invitation was handed personally to Syria’s finance minister during recent financial discussions in Paris. Why is Syria now joining this group of wealthy nations? One big reason seems to be trade. With shipping through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted by the recent conflict in Iran, Syria could become a new route for moving goods. This could help rebuild Syria’s economy after 14 years of war and heavy sanctions.But getting back to normal won’t be easy. Many sanctions from past decades have been lifted, yet foreign investors are still hesitant. Banks remain cautious, and rebuilding infrastructure takes time. Syria is trying to show it’s open for business, but trust doesn’t rebuild overnight. The G7 has never invited Syria before. This move could signal a shift in how global leaders view the country’s role after years of isolation.