Washington: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Friday in Washington, DC, to discuss relations between the two countries, Syria's Foreign Ministry said.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated in a post on the US social media platform X that the discussions focused on 'Syrian-American relations and prospects for their development.' However, specific issues addressed during the meeting were not detailed.
US State Department's deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott mentioned in a separate statement that Landau, along with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, participated in the discussions. The talks included topics such as 'the future of Syria, Israel-Syria relations, and the implementation of the March 10 agreement between Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces.'
On March 10, the Syrian presidency announced an agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions, emphasizing the country's territorial integrity and opposing any separatist agenda. The SDF is primarily composed of the terrorist group YPG, the Syrian affiliate of the terrorist PKK.
Pigott highlighted that Landau emphasized a 'historic opportunity' for Syria to develop into a peaceful, prosperous, and sovereign nation following President Donald Trump's announcement on sanctions relief. The statement also noted that the principals discussed other shared concerns, including countering terrorism and expanding mutual economic opportunities.
Shaibani's arrival in Washington, DC, on Thursday marked the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the US in over 25 years. This historic visit occurs as Damascus aims to enhance diplomatic engagement internationally following years of isolation during the Syrian civil war and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Assad, who governed Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party's decades-long rule that began in 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was established in Syria in January following Assad's departure.