French President Emmanuel Macron asserted on Tuesday that his official visit to Damascus would proceed as planned, notwithstanding the twin bombings that occurred in the Syrian capital's center earlier today.
Macron wrote on his "X" account, "Nothing can extinguish the aspirations of Syrian men and women to live in a fully sovereign, safe, multicultural, and unified Syria."
He added, "This morning, I experienced Syria in all its diversity and felt the dignity, courage, and determination."
He concluded his message by affirming his continued visit, stating, "My visit continues."
Macron's comments came hours after two homemade bombs exploded near the "Four Seasons" hotel and the Ministry of Tourism in central Damascus, injuring 18 people, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.
Both Syrian authorities and the French presidency confirmed earlier that the explosions did not pose any direct threat to President Macron, who had left the hotel prior to the incidents and continued his official meetings with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shahr.