U.S., Syria discuss regional security, minority integration
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani on Tuesday to discuss regional security and growing cooperation between Washington and Damascus.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that Rubio also stressed the importance of the ongoing integration of all of Syria’s minority groups during the call.
Rubio and al-Shaibani discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries amid continued regional security challenges, according to Pigott.
The U.S. secretary also praised Syria’s progress in its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), without providing further details.
The call comes as Damascus seeks to deepen ties with Washington following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and the formation of a transitional administration.
The United States has repeatedly called for an inclusive political process in Syria and the protection of the country’s ethnic and religious communities.
The integration of minority groups remains a key issue as Syria’s transitional authorities work to establish state institutions and consolidate control across the country.