The United States Special Envoy to Syria has declared this week a “pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history,” signaling a shift for Syria from isolation towards international partnership. This statement follows the landmark visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shareh to the White House.
President Al-Shareh met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, becoming the first Syrian president to visit Washington since Syria’s independence in 1946.
According to the US Envoy, Presidents Trump and Al-Shareh affirmed their shared conviction that “the time has come to replace estrangement with connection and to give Syria and its people a genuine opportunity for renewal” during a cordial and constructive meeting.
During the meeting, described as “substantial and warm,” President Trump announced his intention to lift all sanctions on Syria, including the Caesar Act, urging Congress to take this historic step to give Damascus a “real chance to rebuild.”
The meeting, attended by senior American, Syrian, and Turkish officials, also saw President Al-Shareh commit to President Trump to joining the international coalition against ISIS, transitioning Syria from a “source of terrorism to a partner in combating terrorism.” This reflects a commitment to reconstruction, cooperation, and contributing to the stability of the entire region.
Furthermore, a crucial trilateral follow-up session was held with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hakan Fidan and Asaad Al-Shaibani, respectively.
The US Envoy added that the “next phase of the American-Turkish-Syrian framework” was outlined. This includes integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the new economic and defense structure, redefining Turkish-Syrian-Israeli relations, supporting efforts to stabilize the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and addressing Lebanese border issues.
The developments signal a significant shift in regional dynamics and highlight the potential for a new era of cooperation. DZWatch will continue to monitor these developments closely.
