U.S. Envoy: Framework Set for Upcoming U.S.–Turkey–Syria Cooperation Phase

ARK News.. The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria stated that the historic visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar’a to Washington this week marks a major turning point in the strategic partnership and bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing that lifting the Caesar Act will be a key step toward Syria’s recovery.

In a post published on Thursday, November 13, 2025, on the platform X, Special Envoy Thomas Barrack described the week as “a decisive turning point in the modern history of the Middle East, and in Syria’s profound shift from isolation to partnership.” He added that he had the honor of accompanying President Al-Shar’a to the White House, becoming the first Syrian president to visit the United States since the country’s independence in 1946.

Barrack noted that President Donald Trump previously announced on May 13 his intention to lift all U.S. sanctions to give Syria a new opportunity.

According to Barrack, the meeting between Presidents Trump and Al-Shar’a this week was characterized by cordiality and clarity, reflecting a shared conviction that it is time to move from estrangement to engagement and to offer the Syrian people a genuine opportunity for renewal.

The envoy said the Oval Office discussions highlighted President Al-Shar’a’s commitment to joining the international coalition against ISIS—an important shift that repositions Syria from a source of threat to an active partner in counterterrorism. He emphasized that Syria has pledged to contribute to reconstruction efforts and to support stability across the region.

Barrack added that Damascus will take an active role in confronting the remnants of ISIS, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other “terrorist networks,” positioning Syria as a central partner in international peace and security efforts.

Barrack revealed that a follow-up trilateral session brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Sheibani, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The meeting mapped out the next phase of U.S.–Turkey–Syria cooperation, including:

Integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into Syria’s new economic, defense, and civil structures

Redefining Turkish–Syrian–Israeli relations

Strengthening understandings supporting the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Addressing outstanding issues related to the Lebanese border

He stated that the Trump administration is laying the foundations for a reorganization based on a “security-first” approach, and that the next step in “giving Syria a real chance” is the full repeal of the Caesar Act.
Barrack urged the U.S. Congress to take this historic step, noting that substantial progress has already been made, but that the current phase requires a final decisive push to enable Syria’s new government to revive its economy and to support prosperity for the Syrian people and the region.

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