NextFin news, On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani arrived in Washington, D.C., for the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the United States in 25 years. This historic visit marks a significant step in restoring diplomatic relations between Syria and the U.S. after decades of interruption.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the visit as "historic" and a "pivotal milestone" in Syrian-U.S. relations. The ministry stated that the visit reflects Syria's openness to direct dialogue with the United States to "open a new page" in bilateral relations. Discussions during the visit are expected to cover issues of mutual interest in political, security, and economic fields to serve the interests of the Syrian people.
Al-Shaibani's visit comes amid efforts to normalize relations following the fall of autocrat Bashar Assad and the lifting of many U.S. sanctions on Syria. In June 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending many economic sanctions on Syria, following his May meeting with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in 2025, Al-Shaibani visited the United States to attend meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and held talks at the United Nations in New York. However, this is his first official visit to Washington as a Syrian foreign minister.
During the Washington visit, Al-Shaibani and his delegation are expected to hold talks with U.S. officials, including a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agenda includes discussions on permanently lifting the remaining U.S. sanctions against Syria and advancing diplomatic ties.
In addition to U.S. talks, Al-Shaibani is engaged in negotiations with Israel to reach a security agreement along the tense Syria-Israel border. Last month, he held a rare direct meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris, brokered by the U.S., as part of a diplomatic push to improve relations despite recent tensions.
The visit also precedes the expected attendance of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he will be the first Syrian head of state to attend in decades.
This diplomatic shift reflects Syria's efforts to recover from the civil war and reduce its international isolation by rebuilding relations with Western countries, particularly the United States.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.
