The Syrian presidential statement read: “Mr. Ahmad Al-Shara, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and his wife Mrs. Latifa Al-Droubi, received Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the U.S. Central Command, and his wife Mrs. Susan Cooper, at the People’s Palace in Damascus today. The meeting was also attended by the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Mr. Thomas Barrack, and the accompanying delegation, along with several ministers and senior officials.” It added: “The meeting reflected a positive atmosphere and a mutual commitment to enhancing strategic partnership and expanding communication channels between Damascus and Washington at various levels.” Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump met with the Syrian transitional president on May 13 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and during the meeting, announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria. He also informed him of the necessity to take several measures, primarily normalizing relations with Israel.
