Al-Shaybani and Barrack Discuss Bilateral and Regional Issues in Istanbul

SadaNews - Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani discussed with the U.S. presidential special envoy to Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them.

According to a statement published by the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the meeting – which took place in Istanbul yesterday (Sunday) – addressed the latest developments on the international scene and efforts aimed at achieving stability in the region.

This was the first meeting with Barrack since his recent appointment as presidential envoy to Syria and Iraq at the end of last month, in addition to his role as the U.S. ambassador in Ankara.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 31 that Barrack had been appointed as a presidential envoy to Syria and Iraq and praised his "distinguished" performance, just a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of his mission as the special envoy to Syria.

In the announcement of his appointment, Trump explained that assigning Barrack comes in the context of "strengthening the growing relationships" with the governments of Syria and Iraq, adding that his administration "greatly values" his efforts and ongoing willingness to serve the United States.

Following his appointment, Barrack stated – via his account on the "X" platform – that Iraq, Syria, and Turkey represent the strategic pillar for lasting stability in the Middle East, pointing out that achieving a balance among the three countries requires a single and stable U.S. point of contact that transcends tribal, religious, and sectarian differences.

Source: Al Jazeera