US special envoy Thomas Barrack met the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Jordan during visits to both countries to discuss efforts related to Syria.
In Riyadh, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the kingdom's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
The two officials explored “steps to support the Syrian people on both the humanitarian and economic levels, along with ways to provide aid and assistance during this critical phase”, the ministry said.
Mr Barrack was appointed as the US special envoy to Syria after US President Donald Trump announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia this month that he would lift long-standing sanctions on Damascus.
The day after the announcement, Mr Trump met Syria's interim President Ahmad Al Shara in Riyadh, in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Mr Barrack also visited Amman on Wednesday, where he met Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Mr Barrack and Mr Safadi discussed efforts to support Syria's reconstruction in a way that guarantees its security, stability, unity and sovereignty, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The talks also focused on ridding the country of terrorism, preserving the rights of the Syrian people and fulfilling their aspirations for a secure and prosperous future, the ministry added.
Mr Safadi stressed the importance of collective efforts to stabilise Syria, which he described as a cornerstone of broader regional stability. He also welcomed Mr Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it a crucial step in helping the government confront challenges and meet the needs of people.
The US officially issued a sanctions waiver for Syria last week. Following the waiver, Mr Barrack met Mr Al Shara and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani in Istanbul.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
'The Lost Daughter'
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Rating: 2.5/5
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
The biog
Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children
She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career
She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence
Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
