Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Washington on Thursday, September 18, beginning the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the United States in more than a quarter century. The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the trip as “historic,” adding that it represents a turning point after decades of strained relations.
The visit comes just days before President Ahmad al-Sharaa is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York. Damascus has framed the trip as a signal of its willingness to engage directly with Washington on political, security and economic issues. The last comparable visit occurred in 1999, when then-Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa traveled for peace talks with Israel.
Talks on Sanctions and Security
The US-based news outlet Axios reported that Shaibani is in Washington to push for the permanent lifting of sanctions, particularly the Caesar Act, which has targeted Syria’s energy, construction and financial sectors since 2020.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina confirmed that he and other lawmakers were scheduled to meet with the foreign minister. Graham said he would support canceling sanctions if Syria formally joined the international coalition against ISIS and moved toward a new security agreement with Israel.
Shaibani is expected to continue discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. The Syrian foreign minister held similar talks in London earlier this week with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, in the presence of US envoy Tom Barrack, according to Al Jazeera.
International Calls for Support
At a UN Security Council session Thursday, US envoy Dorothy Shea welcomed Syria’s engagement and called on member states to support reconstruction efforts. She praised Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting stability and said dialogue between Syria and Israel would “support prosperity and stability in the region,” according to SANA.
UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen echoed the call, urging an end to foreign interference and sanctions. He outlined a roadmap to resolve the Suwayda crisis that includes accountability, detainee releases and humanitarian aid. “The success of the transitional justice process is essential for the success of the political process in Syria,” Pedersen said.
A Turning Point Ahead of the UN General Assembly
Shaibani’s presence in Washington highlights Syria’s efforts to reestablish itself on the international stage after years of isolation and war. Whether talks in the US and Europe lead to the lifting of sanctions or a breakthrough with Israel remains uncertain, but officials on all sides suggest that the coming weeks could set the direction of Syria’s next chapter.
