"We are expected to meet with Assad, with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Moualem and members of the Syrian parliament," Mariani, a former French Transport Minister, said.
"The members of our delegation support the Russian approach to the settlement of the Syrian crisis: we need to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria by eradicating the Islamic State and other terrorist groups and then to launch a political process."
In addition to political talks, the delegation is expected to meet with the local business community, religious authorities, civil society leaders and NGO representatives.
"This visit will provide for maximum understanding of the situation in Syria and contribute to the restoration of ties between French and Syrian companies," the lawmaker stated.
Aside from Mariani, the delegation consists of four other members of France’s National Assembly, including Nicolas Dhuicq of the Aube department, Yannick Moreau of the Vendee department, Jean Lasalle of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and Michel Voisin representing the Ain department.
