Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrived in Washington D.C. on Thursday, marking the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the U.S. capital in over a quarter-century. This landmark occasion signals a potential turning point in Syrian-American relations, with Syria expressing readiness for direct dialogue to usher in a new era. The visit, described as "historic" by Syrian state news agency Sana, underscores the interim Syrian government's proactive approach to re-establishing international ties following years of isolation.
The core objective of Minister al-Shibani's visit is to engage in discussions aimed at the permanent lifting of remaining U.S. sanctions against Syria. He is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a meeting anticipated to focus on these economic measures. The U.S. has, in recent months, begun to ease sanctions, a move initiated after President Donald Trump's meeting with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May. This easing of sanctions is seen as a key step in Syria's efforts to end its international isolation. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued General License (GL) 25, authorizing transactions that were previously prohibited, aiming to facilitate new investment and private sector activity within Syria. This initiative is intended to aid in the rebuilding of Syria's economy and infrastructure.
This diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of significant political transition in Syria, following the reported end of Bashar al-Assad's long-term rule and the establishment of an interim government. The new administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is actively seeking to forge new international relationships. As part of this broader diplomatic push, President al-Sharaa is also slated to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, a notable event as it will be the first time a Syrian head of state has addressed the assembly in decades.
Beyond bilateral discussions, the visit also touches upon regional security dynamics. Minister al-Shibani is reportedly involved in negotiations with Israel concerning a security agreement along their shared border. This diplomatic outreach aligns with a broader U.S. strategy to foster stability in the region, as indicated by Senator Lindsey Graham, who suggested support for lifting sanctions could be contingent on Syria's progress in security agreements with Israel and its participation in the U.S.-led alliance against the Islamic State. The U.S. has also been actively engaged in mediating talks between Syria and Israel, aiming to de-escalate tensions and promote a more stable regional environment.
The U.S. Treasury's commitment to working with Syria to reconnect its economy to the global financial system, while combating terrorism financing, highlights a shared interest in a stable and prosperous Syria. The inclusion of specific senators, such as Jeanne Shaheen, in discussions emphasizes a bipartisan recognition of the mutual interest in Syria's stability and economic well-being, with concerns raised that delays in action could inadvertently benefit external actors like Russia and Iran.