Damascus: President Donald Trump is set to officially declare Syria a state that does not sponsor terrorism, as announced by US envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, during his visit to Damascus on Thursday. Barrack highlighted that this move is part of Trump's broader strategy to empower the current Syrian government.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrack emphasized that the US Congress is in support of President Trump's actions regarding Syria. In an interview with Al-Arabiya television, Barrack expressed optimism that peace between Syria and Israel is attainable, proposing that it should begin with a non-aggression pact and a clear delineation of borders.

In a statement on X, Barrack mentioned that the recent lifting of sanctions by President Trump has already paved the way for substantial international investments in Syria, including a significant $7 billion U.S.-Trkiye-Qatar energy deal signed in Damascus. He lauded the regional partnerships and cooperation that are redefining boundaries and fostering economic opportunities in Syria.

The lifting of sanctions by President Trump earlier this month marked a significant shift in US foreign policy towards Syria. On Thursday, Barrack met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, as reported by the state news agency SANA, although specific details of their discussions were not disclosed.

The meeting coincided with the reopening of the US ambassador's residence in Damascus, closed since 2012, a symbolic gesture of renewed diplomatic relations between the US and Syria. Barrack raised the American flag over the residence, signaling the start of a new chapter following the Assad regime's ouster.

President Trump's diplomatic efforts were further highlighted by his meeting with Syrian President Sharaa in Riyadh last month, marking the first encounter between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated to lawmakers that the United States supports initiatives to aid the new Syrian government, cautioning that failure could lead to renewed conflict and instability in the region.

The political landscape in Syria underwent a significant transformation with the ousting of Assad by anti-regime forces led by Sharaa. Assad, who had ruled for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party's long-standing grip on power. Sharaa was subsequently declared president for a transitional period in late January, setting the stage for Syria's new governance structure.