U.S. Envoy Calls Meeting with Syrian President “Historic” Amid Sanctions Relief and Investment Talks
By Kardo Roj
ISTANBUL, Turkey (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, described his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Istanbul as “historic,” marking a significant moment in renewed diplomatic engagement and signaling a shift in Washington’s approach to post-conflict reconstruction.
The meeting, also attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani, came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the temporary suspension of Caesar Act sanctions for 180 days. The U.S. Treasury followed with General License 25, permitting specific economic transactions aimed at facilitating humanitarian relief and infrastructure rehabilitation in Syria.
Barrack emphasized that the rapid lifting of sanctions was a pivotal move to enable regional and international partners to provide much-needed energy supplies, reconstruction funding, and humanitarian assistance. “Without our swift and decisive action,” he stated via a post on social media platform X, “regional actors would not have been able to deliver critical support to ease the suffering of the Syrian people.”
The envoy reiterated U.S. support for the Syrian population following years of conflict, stating that the ultimate objective was to create a stable environment where Syrians could thrive. The meeting reflects a broader effort to reengage diplomatically with Syria’s newly formed government, which has been navigating complex internal and external challenges since assuming power.
Barrack noted that both sides affirmed a shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation. Discussions focused on creating conditions conducive to private-sector investment, particularly from Turkey, the Gulf states, the European Union, and the United States. Emphasis was placed on infrastructure development and the revitalization of Syria’s economy under the framework of international law and accountability.
The envoy described the discussion as forward-looking, with both delegations agreeing to “leave the sanctions issue behind us” and work jointly toward the global reintegration of Syria’s economy. He stated that the talks laid the foundation for a collaborative investment strategy aimed at rebuilding essential services and fostering sustainable development.
While the meeting marks a milestone in diplomatic relations, the situation on the ground remains multifaceted. Large portions of Syria, particularly in the northeast, continue to be administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which maintains stability through its governance structures and the efforts of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in ensuring local security and counterterrorism operations.
The U.S. remains actively engaged in northeast Syria, where humanitarian access and infrastructure restoration continue in cooperation with local partners.
Further meetings between U.S. and Syrian officials are expected in the coming weeks as part of a broader dialogue on reconstruction, repatriation, and long-term stabilization.