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.
