Rubio discusses Syria’s rebuilding and fight against terrorism with Turkish and Syrian counterparts

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Syria’s reconstruction and counterterrorism efforts during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, the State Department said in a statement.

The meeting focused on continuing efforts to strengthen regional security and combat terrorism.

“They also discussed ongoing efforts to locate missing Americans in Syria. The Secretary underscored President Trump’s commitment to give the Syrian people a chance at peace and prosperity and the importance of regional partnership to support Syria’s efforts to rebuild,” reads the State Department’s statement.

Trump met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Nov. 10. According to the Syrian leader’s office, the parties discussed strengthening bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. After Trump and al-Sharaa met, the US Treasury Department announced that Washington had suspended sanctions against Syria under the so-called Caesar Act, but maintained a ban on Syrian transactions with Russia and Iran.