Syria’s top diplomat meets US envoy amid efforts to calm tensions with Israel

By Laith Al-jnaidi and Rania Abu Shamala

DAMASCUS/ ISTANBUL (AA) – Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack on Tuesday discussed regional developments and ways to enhance joint cooperation amid efforts by Washington to calm tensions between Syria and Israel.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Shaibani met with Barrack in Damascus, where the two discussed regional developments and ways to bolster mutual cooperation between Damascus and Washington “to serve their common interests.”

No further details were provided on the nature of the talks or specific issues addressed.

The meeting came one day after US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Israel against destabilizing Syria, shortly before holding a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday.

The US president praised Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, saying he is “working diligently” to ensure that “good things happen” for both countries.