Syria, US hold expanded talks on reconstruction, security

On February 25, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shaibani and U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack held an expanded meeting to discuss a new phase of bilateral engagement.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and explored practical steps for integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions, Caliber.Az reports via the ministry’s X account.

وزير الخارجية والمغتربين يلتقي المبعوث الأمريكي في دمشق pic.twitter.com/WOAnzDFxJb

— وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين السورية (@syrianmofaex) February 25, 2026

They also focused on launching a Damascus-led international committee to ensure the transparent elimination of chemical weapons under national oversight.

The discussion included support for Syria’s fight against ISIS and its role as a partner in regional security. Barrack highlighted the interest of major U.S. companies in participating in Syria’s reconstruction, particularly in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

Additionally, the two sides examined logistical and political measures necessary to reopen the Syrian embassy in Washington, which would strengthen official communication channels between the two countries.

By Khagan Isayev