High-ranking US delegation meets Syria’s al-Sharaa, SDF leader

The top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen, led a bipartisan delegation to meet with Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday.

“Ranking Member Shaheen is the first member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime and meet face-to-face with President Al-Sharaa,” Shaheen’s office said in a statement.

Shaheen, accompanied by Republican Joe Wilson and US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, discussed the progress made in Syria on the security situation and “other US priorities” within the country, according to the statement.

She also highlighted the importance of protecting all ethnic and religious backgrounds in Syria, as well as inclusivity in the government. Shaheen also briefed the Syrian president about bipartisan legislation on Capitol Hill that would lift the Caesar Act sanctions against Syria.

Separately, the US delegation met with Syria’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hind Kabawat, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader, Gen. Mazloum Abdi. Shahen expressed support and discussed a pathway for the SDF to integrate into the Syrian army.

On another stop, Shaheen met with a group of religious leaders and civil society members at a peace and dialogue conference at a Christian Monastery.

“Today’s meeting with leaders from many faiths was a testament to the Syrian people’s common cause: a country free from violence where people of many backgrounds can work together toward a brighter future,” Shaheen said.

“A Syria that can stand on its own after ridding itself of the Assad regime will be a cornerstone for regional stability in the Middle East. America is ready to be a partner to a new Syria that moves in the right direction,” she added.