LONDON: Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, and the US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, on Wednesday discussed the steps required to reopen the Syrian embassy in Washington, D.C.

They also talked about the establishment of an international committee to ensure transparency in the process to eliminate the chemical weapons under Syrian supervision, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

During their meeting in Damascus they addressed a number of strategic issues with the aim of promoting a new phase of bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed a strong shared commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria.

Al-Shaibani and Barrack reviewed the steps being taken to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions following a ceasefire agreement and the deployment of government forces in northeastern Syria last month.

Both officials emphasized the importance of support for Syria in its efforts to battle Daesh and enhance its role as a key partner in regional security, the news agency said.

Barrack also highlighted the interest among major American companies in investment opportunities in Syria’s oil and energy sectors.