LONDON: International efforts must be unified to prevent the return of “terrorist groups” like Daesh to Syria, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa said to Donald Trump on Tuesday.
During a lengthy phone call, the two leaders discussed the progress made during Syria’s transition from the downfall of Bashar Al-Assad more than a year ago, the Syrian state news agency Sana reported.
They also discussed efforts to “enhance security and stability” and bilateral cooperation.
Trump said he was pleased with developments on the ground in Syria since Al-Sharaa took over after leading opposition fighters to depose Assad.
“I had a great conversation with the highly respected president of Syria, and all of the things having to do with Syria and that area,” Trump told reporters.
“It’s working out very well, so we're very happy about it.”
Trump has offered his backing to Al-Sharaa and removed sanctions against Syria as the country attempts to recover from years of conflict and international isolation.
The Syrian president has pushed to rebuild relations with major powers in the Middle East and the West, while enacting reforms at home, and managing a complex security situation.
Syrian forces have recently reasserted control over areas in the north-east of the country that had been controlled by US-backed Kurdish groups during the civil war.
Washington has welcomed a recent ceasefire between Syrian troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and encouraged further negotiations on reintegrating the region into a unified Syria.
During the call, Al-Sharaa “reaffirmed Syria’s full commitment to its territorial unity and national sovereignty, and Syria’s determination to preserve its institutions and strengthen civil peace.”
He added that that Trump agreed on “prioritizing dialogue as a means to resolve regional disputes.”
Sana reported that during the call, Trump said the ceasefire with the SDF was a pivotal step toward ending the conflict.
He also said the US is ready to support reconstruction efforts in Syria through investment.
*With AFP
