Washington D.C. – Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Ankara, Türkiye, on May 15, 2025, following a historic meeting between President Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to sanctions relief for Syria, aiming to stabilize the country. He also welcomed the Syrian government's calls for peace with Israel, emphasizing efforts to reduce Iran's influence in Syria. Additionally, Rubio praised the commitment to uncovering the fate of U.S. citizens missing or killed in Syria.
Furthermore, Secretary Rubio underscored the critical importance of protecting the human rights of all Syrians, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. This message was echoed during President Trump's meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa earlier that day.
The meeting between Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani marked an important step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict. As tensions continue to evolve, diplomatic engagement remains a crucial aspect of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
This development comes as part of the United States' broader strategy to promote stability and security in the Middle East. The administration's approach prioritizes human rights and peaceful resolution, while also acknowledging the need for pragmatic measures to address pressing regional challenges.