Syria Seeks Economic Re-integration During Washington Talks
September 19, 2025219 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In a notable diplomatic development, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad discussed mechanisms for reconnecting the Syrian economy to the global financial system during a visit to Washington. This occurred during meetings that brought Mekdad together with officials from the U.S. Treasury Department, in the presence of the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas West.
The meetings, described by the Syrian news agency "SANA" as "extensive," focused on ways to responsibly and safely reintegrate the Syrian economy into the international financial system, emphasizing the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in combating the financing of terrorism and developing the economic infrastructure to serve the interests of the Syrian people.
These talks come as part of Syria's efforts to reintegrate into the global economy after years of isolation due to war and international sanctions. They also reflect a shift in the U.S. approach towards Syria, as Washington increasingly seeks channels of communication with Damascus despite deep political disagreements.
Mekdad also met with U.S. Representative for Arizona, Eli Hamadeh, where both sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and regional and international developments. These parliamentary meetings represent an additional dimension in efforts to rebuild bridges between the two countries.
The visit gains special importance amid rapid regional transformations, as Syria seeks to improve its relations with Arab countries and the international community after years of conflict. It also demonstrates the U.S. desire to explore new pathways for dealing with the Syrian file, particularly in economic and security aspects.
However, the path towards the full reintegration of the Syrian economy remains fraught with challenges, especially with the ongoing U.S. and European sanctions on Syria and the deep disagreements over political and security issues. Success in these efforts will depend on both parties' ability to make tangible progress in addressing these complex issues.
These talks represent a first step on a long road and may indicate a gradual shift in regional and international policies towards Syria, but their actual outcomes will remain contingent on developments in the Syrian file on the ground and in international forums.
The meetings, described by the Syrian news agency "SANA" as "extensive," focused on ways to responsibly and safely reintegrate the Syrian economy into the international financial system, emphasizing the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in combating the financing of terrorism and developing the economic infrastructure to serve the interests of the Syrian people.
These talks come as part of Syria's efforts to reintegrate into the global economy after years of isolation due to war and international sanctions. They also reflect a shift in the U.S. approach towards Syria, as Washington increasingly seeks channels of communication with Damascus despite deep political disagreements.
Mekdad also met with U.S. Representative for Arizona, Eli Hamadeh, where both sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and regional and international developments. These parliamentary meetings represent an additional dimension in efforts to rebuild bridges between the two countries.
The visit gains special importance amid rapid regional transformations, as Syria seeks to improve its relations with Arab countries and the international community after years of conflict. It also demonstrates the U.S. desire to explore new pathways for dealing with the Syrian file, particularly in economic and security aspects.
However, the path towards the full reintegration of the Syrian economy remains fraught with challenges, especially with the ongoing U.S. and European sanctions on Syria and the deep disagreements over political and security issues. Success in these efforts will depend on both parties' ability to make tangible progress in addressing these complex issues.
These talks represent a first step on a long road and may indicate a gradual shift in regional and international policies towards Syria, but their actual outcomes will remain contingent on developments in the Syrian file on the ground and in international forums.
