### Historic Meeting: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Meets Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Turkey

In a groundbreaking diplomatic event, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Antalya, Turkey, marking the first such encounter between officials of the two nations in 15 years. This pivotal meeting signifies a step forward in mending the fractured ties between the US and Syria.

The meeting followed a remarkable announcement by President Donald Trump to lift longstanding economic sanctions on Syria, a move that shocked many in the international community. The sanctions had significantly damaged the Syrian economy, pushing it to the brink of collapse. Trump’s decision comes in the wake of a historic meeting in Saudi Arabia with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, where he expressed his intent to "give them a chance."

In Antalya, Rubio also engaged in a trilateral discussion with al-Shaibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. This trilateral engagement highlights the regional implications of the US's new approach towards Syria and the potential for broader diplomatic initiatives.

In tandem with these significant diplomatic movements, the U.S. Treasury Department is coordinating with the State Department and the National Security Council to execute Trump’s directive to lift the sanctions. This collaborative effort underscores the seriousness of the administration's shift in policy towards Syria.

Ahead of his discussions in Antalya, Rubio briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the developments, specifically detailing Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. This communication underscores the complex and interconnected nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, with Israel’s security concerns always a key component of US policy in the region.

During their meeting, Trump urged al-Sharaa, who still appears on the US terrorist list due to his past connections with al-Qaeda, to pursue a peace agreement with Israel. This appeal aims to foster stability and peace in the region as the former adversaries seek to move beyond decades of conflict.

This series of high-profile meetings, culminating in the encounters in Antalya and Riyadh, reflects a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The Trump administration's outreach to Syria is poised to alter the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with profound implications for regional and global diplomatic relations.