U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas J. Barrack hailed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s historic visit to the White House as a defining moment for the Middle East. In his statement, Barrack said the meeting between Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump represented “Syria’s transformation from isolation to partnership” and the beginning of a new diplomatic era in the region.

A Landmark Visit in U.S.–Syria Relations

For the first time since Syria’s independence in 1946, a Syrian head of state was received at the White House. According to Barrack, U.S. President Trump’s decision to welcome Sharaa marked a “decisive turning point” and reflected a shared conviction that “estrangement must give way to engagement.” During the talks, Trump reiterated his May 13 pledge to remove U.S. sanctions to “give Syria a genuine chance at renewal.”

Sharaa’s Commitment to Join Anti-ISIS Coalition

Barrack revealed that Syrian President Sharaa pledged to formally join the Global Coalition against ISIS, symbolizing Syria’s shift “from a source of terrorism to a counterterrorism partner.”

The meeting, attended by senior U.S. officials including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, laid out a framework for rebuilding Syria’s defense and civic institutions with international cooperation. “Damascus will now actively assist in dismantling the remnants of ISIS, the IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah,” Barrack stated.

U.S.–Türkiye–Syria Framework for Regional Stability

Following the White House talks, Barrack participated in a trilateral session with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The meeting defined the “next phase” of the U.S.–Türkiye–Syria framework, focusing on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into Syria’s new economic and defense structures, redefining regional ties with Israel, and advancing the ceasefire framework between Israel and Hamas.

Türkiye’s Quiet but Crucial Diplomatic Role

Barrack praised Türkiye’s “quiet, steadfast diplomacy that builds bridges where walls once stood,” acknowledging its central role in fostering dialogue among regional powers. He described the emerging alliance of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye as a “magic elixir” supporting the rebirth of the Syrian nation-state and fostering stability across religious and ethnic divides.

Call to Repeal the Caesar Act

Emphasizing that “the next step in giving Syria a chance” lies in lifting economic barriers, Barrack urged the U.S. Congress to repeal the Caesar Act, which imposes sanctions on Damascus. “We have come far but now need one strong final push to empower the new Syrian government,” he said, calling for measures that would help Syrians “not only survive but thrive.”

A Vision for Regional Renewal

Barrack concluded his statement by praising President Trump’s leadership in forging a “security first, prosperity next” doctrine, arguing that the region’s future will now be shaped by cooperation among Middle Eastern nations rather than external mandates. “This week,” he said, “was not just a diplomatic milestone—it was a week to remember.”