In a surprise diplomatic development, US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Saturday, May 24, on the sidelines of a visit to Turkey. The two held a closed-door session in Istanbul that focused on implementing recent American decisions to lift sanctions on Syria and reestablish strategic ties between Washington and Damascus.
The meeting, which included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, marked the most direct engagement between US and Syrian officials in years. It followed US President Donald Trump’s May 13 announcement in Riyadh to roll back sanctions, including those under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, to support Syria’s recovery and regional reintegration.
Restoring Economic Pathways
Both parties emphasized the urgency of removing economic barriers that have long stalled Syria’s reconstruction. Sharaa praised what he called “swift and historic” steps by the US, citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to suspend key sanctions for 180 days, as well as the Treasury Department’s issuance of General License 25, which permits expanded transactions with Syria’s public and private sectors.
“The sanctions have been a heavy burden on our people,” Sharaa said, according to the Syrian presidency’s statement. “We are ready to provide every facility to attract investment and rebuild our country in a stable and secure environment.”
Barak echoed that sentiment, stating on social media, “Lifting sanctions opens broad prospects in the region for achieving comprehensive peace and security, and ending conflicts and wars.”
Security and Sovereignty Discussed
In addition to economic recovery, the talks touched on joint security cooperation. Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also underlined the need to fully implement the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Israel to stabilize the southern border.
The two sides reportedly agreed to work on a comprehensive security framework to combat terrorism and enhance border control. Discussions also included efforts to eliminate remaining chemical weapons stockpiles, in line with international agreements.
One of the more sensitive topics involved the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Both sides expressed interest in a negotiated agreement to integrate the SDF into Syrian state institutions. Officials described this as a necessary step to reassert government authority and unify national decision-making.
A Controversial Diplomatic Figure
Barak, a longtime associate of President Trump and former trustee at the University of Southern California, was appointed US ambassador to Turkey earlier this year. His appointment stirred some controversy due to past legal issues, including a pardon from Trump at the end of his first term.
Despite the background, Barak projected confidence in the new approach. “The meeting put the sanctions issue, as President Trump indicated, well behind us,” he said. “It resulted in a shared commitment to move quickly forward with investment, development, and global marketing of a new and welcoming Syria.”
Whether the moment marks a lasting shift in US policy remains uncertain, but the Istanbul meeting signals an unmistakable pivot in tone between the two countries.
