US Treasury: We’re working to reconnect the Syrian economy to the global financial system

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani held a series of high-level political meetings in Washington, on Thursday, in a visit described as a milestone in Syrian-US relations, the first of its kind in more than 25 years.

The US Treasury Department issued a statement on X, al Shaibani met with officials from the State and Treasury Departments, in the presence of US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack… The department stated that the meetings addressed ways to re-integrate the Syrian economy into the global financial system in a responsible and safe manner, with a focus on cooperation in combating terrorist financing”.

In addition to the executives, the Syrian Foreign Minister met with a number of members of the US Congress.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that these meetings are part of an extensive visit aimed at opening a new chapter in relations with Washington and discussing political, security, and economic issues of mutual interest.

In an official statement, the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s media department described the visit as historic, noting that it represents an important step toward resuming diplomatic relations after a long hiatus.

It added that Syria is open to direct dialogue with the United States, with the aim of reaching understandings that serve the interests of the Syrian people.

Shaibani came to Washington to discuss the possibility of permanently lifting US sanctions imposed on Syria, particularly those related to the Caesar Act.

Talks also include discussions of the ongoing negotiations with Israel regarding a new security agreement on the border.

In press statements, Senator Lindsey Graham said he expected to meet the Syrian minister during the visit, noting that his support for lifting sanctions was linked to Syria’s formal joining of the international coalition against ISIS and moving forward with a security agreement with Israel.