In a notable step toward potential diplomatic thaw, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held a rare meeting with senior officials from the United States State Department in New York on April 29, 2025. This marked the first formal interaction between Syria and the U.S. on American soil since the removal of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations sessions, where Minister al-Shaibani symbolically raised the three-star flag of the Syrian revolution, commemorating 14 years since the start of Syria’s civil war. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the primary agenda was to secure a clear framework for the lifting of economic sanctions that have long burdened Syria’s economy.
The United States had earlier outlined eight conditions during a donor conference in Brussels, which Syria must fulfill to qualify for partial sanctions relief. Among these are the verified destruction of all chemical weapons and a firm commitment that no foreign nationals will be appointed to senior governmental positions. However, Syrian officials are now seeking not just partial relief, but a definitive and realistic roadmap for the complete removal of sanctions.
Syria’s economy, devastated by years of war and isolation, has been a key concern for the new transitional government. While the U.S. Treasury issued a six-month exemption for humanitarian transactions in January, it has so far had limited effect on broader economic recovery. The new Syrian leadership is calling for a more robust and long-term commitment from Washington to facilitate reconstruction and growth.
As part of its reintegration efforts, the Syrian delegation, including the finance minister and central bank governor, attended the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington D.C. This marked Syria's first participation in such meetings in more than 20 years. Talks centered on the urgent need for reliable economic data and fiscal reforms aimed at increasing national revenues.
The current Syrian government, led by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, is preparing to transition to a more permanent and inclusive administration. This new government, expected to take over from March 1, 2025, has pledged to represent all Syrians and uphold the principles of transparency, justice, and pluralism. It faces the mammoth task of rebuilding national institutions and restoring economic stability.
Meanwhile, in a positive diplomatic development, Syria established formal relations with South Korea on April 10, 2025, further indicating its efforts to rebuild international partnerships. This move followed a series of regional and global engagements aimed at repositioning Syria in the international arena.
Despite the historic nature of the New York meeting, the U.S. State Department has remained cautious. A spokesperson confirmed that Syrian interim officials were in the city for U.N. meetings but emphasized that there has been no formal move toward normalizing ties with Syria at this stage. Washington continues to evaluate Syria’s interim leadership based on their actions and commitment to international standards.
The outcome of these recent discussions could set the tone for Syria’s future relationship with the West and its long-awaited recovery from over a decade of war and diplomatic isolation. The international community will be closely watching how Syria navigates its obligations and whether it can deliver on promises of reform and reconciliation.