US Secretary of State: If Syria makes progress, we will ask Congress to permanently lift sanctions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a press conference in Antalya, Turkey today, Thursday, that President Trump will issue initial exemptions from sanctions on Syria, calling it a historic opportunity for Syria.

Rubio added: "The United States wants to do everything it can to achieve peace and stability in Syria."

He emphasized that stability in Syria has a positive impact on the entire region, and the new Syrian administration seeks peace with all its neighbors and has asked for our assistance on some issues, which we will provide.

Rubio stated: "If Syria makes progress, we will ask Congress to permanently lift the sanctions."

These statements were made during his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaaban today in Antalya, in the presence of the Turkish Foreign Minister. According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the meeting discussed the details of lifting US sanctions on Syria, improving relations between Damascus and Washington, as well as ways to build a strategic relationship.