Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani marked a symbolic moment in Washington Friday, September 19, when he raised the Syrian flag over Syria’s embassy for the first time in 25 years. A crowd of Syrian expatriates gathered to witness the event, which Shaibani described on the social media platform X as a sign that “Syria is returning.”
The ceremony followed a series of meetings between Shaibani and senior American officials, underscoring what both sides described as a “renewed openness” to dialogue after decades of estrangement.
Talks With US Officials on Bilateral and Regional Issues
Earlier Friday, Shaibani met with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and the US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack. According to a State Department statement, discussions covered Syrian-American relations, prospects for their development, the future of Syria, Syrian-Israeli relations, and the implementation of the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Landau emphasized that Syria faces a “historic opportunity to build a peaceful state,” a point the State Department said was tied to ongoing political and security arrangements in the country.
Meetings on Capitol Hill Signal Policy Interest
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Shaibani also met with several members of Congress during his first full day in Washington. Lawmakers included Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. James Risch, Sen. Joni Ernst, and Sen. Christopher Coons, among others.
According to the ministry’s statement carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the discussions addressed challenges and opportunities in the bilateral relationship, with attention to political, economic, and security issues. The meetings, it said, reflected “Syria’s openness to direct dialogue with the United States, seeking to open a new chapter in relations.”
Foreign Ministry Calls Visit a Turning Point
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Shaibani’s trip as “historic” citing the timing of the visit, just days before President Ahmad al-Sharaa is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly, highlights Damascus’s intent to rebuild international ties “on a new foundation of mutual respect.” The State Department has not commented publicly on whether further steps are planned, but US officials indicated that engagement will continue around the SDF agreement and regional stability.
Looking Ahead to Broader Engagement
Shaibani’s presence in Washington, following years of conflict and political isolation, demonstrates a new phase in diplomacy between Damascus and Washington. While both sides signaled optimism about dialogue, officials stopped short of announcing concrete agreements beyond the March framework with the SDF. Observers note that the visit may set the stage for broader discussions during upcoming UN meetings, where Syria’s role in regional security and reconstruction is expected to remain a focus.
