SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

The United States announced the removal of all restrictions imposed on the Syrian mission and embassy in Washington, paving the way for their reopening after more than a decade of closure.

“We have received a decision signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, lifting all previously imposed legal measures on the Syrian mission and the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Washington by the United States.” Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shaibani stated in a post on X.

Al-Shaibani added: “Today, Syria regains the ability to exercise its diplomatic role with full freedom on U.S. soil, in line with the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s strategic plan.”

MHD Ibrahim

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa announced that the talks held ,Monday, between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the U.S. President at the White House were marked by frankness and a forward-looking vision, opening a new chapter in Syrian–American relations. He noted that Syria recently signed a political cooperation declaration with the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, which does not yet include any military components.

“President al-Sharaa held a meeting at the White House with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The meeting was characterized by warmth, candor, and a forward-looking approach, lasting more than an hour. This historic visit marks the first of its kind by a Syrian president to the White House, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in Syrian–American relations and Syria’s full return to the international stage.” Al-Mustafa stated on X.

Al-Mustafa added: “President Trump praised Syria’s transformation and the resilience of its people, affirming his full support by saying: ‘You have done a great job — we support you.’ The discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, attracting American investments to Syria, and plans to lift sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act. President Trump reaffirmed his commitment, stating: ‘We must accomplish this — we must help Syria.’”

The Minister of Information explained that both sides discussed integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Arab Army as part of efforts to unify institutions and ensure lasting stability. He noted that Syria had recently signed a political cooperation declaration with the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, reaffirming its role as a partner in combating terrorism and supporting regional stability. The agreement remains purely political and does not yet include any military components.

Al-Mustafa pointed out that President Trump expressed support for a potential security agreement with Israel aimed at strengthening national and regional stability. He added that the United States officially announced the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Washington, ending more than a decade of closure.

“Immediately after the meeting, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held a working session with Secretary Rubio to draft an implementation plan for the agreed points, reflecting the seriousness of both sides and their commitment to achieving tangible progress.” al-Mustafa said.

MHD Ibrahim

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday voiced confidence in President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership, saying he believes the Syrian leader can guide his country toward stability and success.

Speaking after talks with al-Sharaa at the White House, Trump told reporters, “We want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful, and I think this leader can do it.”

Trump described al-Sharaa as “a very strong leader” and said the two had reached “an agreement” during their meeting. “He comes from a very tough place. I get along with the new president of Syria, and we will do everything we can to make Syria successful,” Trump said, emphasizing Syria’s role in broader Middle East peace efforts.

The U.S. president praised the Syrian people as “amazing” and “highly talented,” noting the country’s “great intellectuals, doctors, and lawyers.” “Syria is an amazing place with great people,” he added. “We want to see Syria succeed along with the rest of the Middle East.”

Trump also said al-Sharaa was “doing very well” and maintained good relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Abdul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced that President Ahmad al-Sharaa paid an official visit to the White House, marking a historic first of its kind.

President al-Sharaa was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al Shaibani. President Donald Trump received him in a landmark meeting that lasted more than an hour, characterized by cordial and constructive atmospheres.

The ministry added in its statement Monday that President Trump expressed admiration for Syria’s new leadership and for the Syrian people. He praised Syria’s successful management of the previous phase and the achievements in liberation and restoring stability across the country. Trump also affirmed the United States’ readiness to provide the necessary support for Syria’s leadership to ensure the success of reconstruction and development in the coming stage.

The ministry noted that, under President Trump’s directives, an expanded working meeting was held. It brought together Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al Shaibani, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to follow up on the agreements reached between the two presidents and to establish clear mechanisms for implementation.

It explained that both sides agreed during the talks to proceed with the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, which includes integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian Arab Army as part of institutional unification and strengthening national security. The U.S. side also affirmed its support for reaching a security agreement with Israel aimed at enhancing regional stability.

The ministry pointed out that, on the economic front, President Trump expressed his country’s support for Syria’s efforts in revival and investment. He confirmed the U.S. commitment to proceed with lifting sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, thereby opening the way for greater development opportunities and attracting investments.

It stated that the meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the two sides, in a friendly atmosphere reflecting openness and a shared desire to build a new chapter in Syrian–American relations, founded on mutual respect and common interests of the two friendly peoples.

MHD Ibrahim

Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir said that after a 15-year suspension, the first and second generating units at the Taim power plant in Deir Ezzor have been successfully restarted to serve residents of the province, the statement was posted Monday on X

Al-Bashir described the move as a “qualitative step” toward reinforcing the stability of the national electricity grid in eastern Syria.

The minister expressed appreciation to engineers, technicians and maintenance teams who contributed to the rehabilitation work that made the restart possible.

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa arrived at the White House Monday on an official visit to the United States of America, where he was received by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The two presidents held a session of talks that addressed bilateral relations between the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States, and means of enhancing and developing them, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, and U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, attended the meeting.

Mazen

Syrian diplomacy is witnessing a historic moment as President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrives at the White House to meet his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. This marks the first visit of a Syrian president to Washington since the country’s independence in 1946, a scene imbued with deep political symbolism and reflecting the culmination of a new phase confirming Syria’s return as an active player on the international stage.

This visit comes in the wake of a series of recent U.S. positions toward Syria, characterized by openness and readiness for partnership, driven by the successes of the Syrian government in domestic and foreign policies. Consequently, Washington now views Damascus as a key partner in promoting regional stability.

President al-Sharaa in Washington to meet Trump

President al-Sharaa arrived in Washington on an official visit, coming from Brazil, where he participated in the COP30 Climate Summit held on November 6-7 in Belém. During the summit, he met with a number of heads of state, government officials, and representatives of international organizations.

President al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House to discuss several issues, primarily the lifting of sanctions on Syria and counter-terrorism efforts.

This will be the third meeting between Presidents al-Sharaa and Trump, following previous encounters in Riyadh last May and in New York during the UN General Assembly in September.

“Caesar Act” as a key to economic recovery

The president’s visit carries multiple dimensions, covering diverse files, and is particularly significant as a pivotal step in efforts to end sanctions imposed on Syria, foremost among them the “Caesar Act,” which has had a profound impact on the Syrian economy and hindered reconstruction efforts.

During his meeting with Syrian organizations in Washington, President al-Sharaa stated, “Sanctions are in their final stages, and we must continue working toward their removal,” emphasizing that Syria requires the efforts of its citizens both domestically and abroad to rebuild the country.

President Trump issued an executive order on June 30 to terminate the sanctions program on Syria, while maintaining individual sanctions on criminal Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and human rights violators. Subsequently, steps to repeal the “Caesar Act” began with a Senate vote on October 10. The act now requires approval from the House of Representatives and the President’s signature to be officially revoked.

Since taking office, President al-Sharaa has prioritized the economy, repeatedly affirming that security and stability cannot be achieved without development, particularly by restoring Syria’s position as a key investment destination in the region after years of war and isolation.

Syria’s diplomatic achievements: historic but substantive

Describing recent Syrian diplomatic accomplishments as “historic” is not an exaggeration, but rather a reflection of the profound transformation taking place in the country. Observers following events in Syria can discern that such a description is well-deserved.

A country whose people rose in 2011 against one of the most violent and criminal regimes in history, enduring years of war, displacement, and exile, has now returned to the international arena as an effective diplomatic actor. Syria is forging strategic and developmental partnerships, restoring its presence and standing among nations. These achievements, therefore, are rightfully termed historic, given their significant impact on both Syria and the wider region.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa participated in the fifth edition of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition 2025 on Monday by the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Media, organized in Jeddah under the theme “From the World to Makkah.” The exhibition is hosted from 9-12 November.

Al-Mustafa took part in the opening ministerial session “From Vision to Reality: Integration of Sectors in Serving the Guests of God,” which addressed coordination between governmental, service and media institutions to ensure the success of Hajj seasons.

During his visit, the minister reviewed the operations of the unified media center and its experience in covering Hajj events, praising the significant progress achieved across service, organizational and technological sectors dedicated to pilgrims’ welfare.

He commended the Saudi model of coordination and digital transformation, describing it as a leading example of modern management and integrated organization of large-scale religious gatherings.

Al-Mustafa also highlighted the essential role of media in portraying these efforts and promoting the values of human solidarity represented by Hajj, noting the Kingdom’s advancement in media technologies, field coverage, and the employment of artificial intelligence in managing global communications during Hajj.

Health Minister Musab al-Ali met Monday with Laurence Hart, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Syria, to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation on employing Syrian medical professionals and facilitating their return from abroad.

Al-Ali said several hospitals are being equipped and will require qualified medical staff, calling for practical plans to accelerate the return of Syrian physicians and specialists to fill vacancies and settle permanently in the country.

He stressed the importance of IOM’s logistical support for the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties and for creating incentives that encourage doctors’ permanent return, noting that salary differentials remain a challenge despite the readiness of new facilities awaiting Syrian expatriate physicians.

Hart reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support Syria’s efforts, explaining that IOM is implementing a two-track program for medical personnel; temporary return with salary and logistical assistance, and permanent resettlement for long-term reintegration. The mission, he added, also contributes to broader projects facilitating the return of displaced persons.

The International Organization for Migration, is a UN-affiliated agency that assists governments in managing migration programs and supports migrants and displaced communities worldwide.

Jordan’s Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma) has donated $1.1 million worth of medical supplies to Syria, as part of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization’s humanitarian initiative.

The company said in a statement issued by the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that “the medical convoy includes a wide range of essential medicines, such as anti-infectives, pain relievers, and other treatments covering various therapeutic areas, for both oral and hospital use.”

“This contribution reflects Hikma’s ongoing commitment to its social and humanitarian responsibilities, as well as its vision of delivering ‘better health, within reach, every day,'” the statement added.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization announced the dispatch of a new aid convoy to Syria, reaffirming Jordan’s continuous efforts to support the country and its people.

Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani met with Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih on Monday to discuss enhancing tourism cooperation between the two countries.

On Saturday, minister al-Salhani visited Riyadh to participate in the 26th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, where he met with his Jordanian and Saudi counterparts on the sidelines of the event.

At the meeting held in Riyadh, the ministers explored investment opportunities in Syria, particularly in the tourism sector, and the reactivation of suspended projects.

These meetings are part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to advance the Syrian tourism sector and restore the country’s place on the regional and international tourism map.

Israeli forces carried out a new incursion into the southern countryside of Quneitra on Monday, local sources told a SANA reporter

The sources added that a force consisting of seven heavy vehicles; bulldozers and excavators, infiltrated into the southern countryside of Quneitra and constructed an earthen barrier west of Al-Hanout village.

This incursion marks another violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and related UN resolutions, part of Israel’s ongoing breaches of international agreements.

Syrian Minister of Education Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko discussed with Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor mechanisms to implement the humanitarian initiative that includes providing 100,000 school desks to support the education sector in Syria.
During the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, both sides signed a special design for the school seats that meets international standards, to be approved and adopted ahead of the start of production in the United Arab Emirates in the coming days.

Minister Turko said the initiative reflects the depth of relations between Syria and the UAE, stressing the importance of education as a fundamental pillar for building Syria’s future. He emphasized the need to develop children’s personalities and strengthen humanitarian values, as these have a direct impact on building the Syrian society.

Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Al Habtoor, stated that the initiative aims primarily to improve the learning environment in Syrian schools and to provide essential educational resources for students who deserve full attention and care.
Al Habtoor underlined that education is the foundation of human development and nation-building, expressing confidence that the Syrian people, through knowledge and determination, will rise again and reclaim their rightful place.

He added that Syria has always been and will remain a beacon of knowledge, thought and culture in the Arab region, affirming that supporting education is both a national and humanitarian duty and a vital investment in the country’s future.

The Ministry of Interior organized a graduation ceremony in Tartous for a new group of personnel completing the Internal Security Forces training program on Monday.

Senior ministry officers including Minister of Interior, Anas Khattab, official representatives, and community and religious leaders from several provinces attended the event, according to a statement released by the ministry on Telegram. The graduation ceremony comes as Syria prepares to mark Liberation Day.

The statement added that the graduation is part of the ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen its ranks with trained and disciplined personnel committed to protecting and maintaining public safety and providing professional service to citizens.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stated on Monday that the IMF is ready to support Syria’s economic recovery.

In a post on X, Georgieva said, “It was a privilege to welcome President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the IMF. We discussed the economic transformation Syrians need and deserve.”

She praised the Syrian government’s efforts to make the transformation possible, expressing the IMF’s readiness to assist, including through existing technical support for key institutions.

During President al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington, he met with Georgieva at the IMF headquarters in Washington on Sunday. They discussed opportunities for cooperation in developing Syria’s economy.

The first mission from the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) traveled to Damascus in late October for a five-day visit to discuss technical assistance in preparing the national budget and improving government financial management.

This trip followed Syria’s participation in the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, where agreements were reached on various technical assistance programs.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported on Monday that hospitals had received the bodies of three victims in the past 24 hours. This includes one who was recently killed, one recovered from beneath the rubble, and another who succumbed to his wounds, in addition to three new injuries.

In its statement, the ministry confirmed that a number of victims remain trapped under the debris and on the roads, as ambulance and civil defense crews continue to face significant difficulties reaching them.

According to the ministry, since the ceasefire on October 11, 2025, the total number of victims has risen to 242, while injuries have increased to 622, and the number of bodies recovered from under rubble has climbed to 529.

The ministry also reported that the overall toll of the Israeli assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has now reached 69,179 dead and 170,693 injured.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) elected Emirati Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais as its Secretary-General for the 2026-2029 term, in a vote supported by more than 160 countries during the agency’s 26th General Assembly in Riyadh.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Nowais’ selection followed her nomination and approval by the Executive Council, completing the required candidacy and election procedures. She is the first woman—and the first Emirati—to lead the organization since its founding 50 years ago.

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, who led the UAE delegation, described the election as “a historic moment,” saying: “This milestone reflects the UAE’s leadership vision, which over past decades has established the country as a leading tourism destination by virtue of its advanced infrastructure, sustainable strategic investments and a socio-cultural fabric rooted in values of tolerance and openness.”

He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to support the organization’s future programs and strengthen international partnerships in the tourism sector to exchange best practices and expertise.

In her acceptance remarks, Al Nowais said: “Tourism is not merely an economic industry; it is a bridge of human communication and a fundamental pillar for enhancing understanding, peace, and sustainable development among peoples and cultures.”

The assembly’s 26th session, attended by Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani, addressed the enhancement of tourism sustainability at both regional and global levels, the development of human capacities and skills in the tourism sector, and the advancement of digital transformation and innovation across tourist destinations worldwide to improve the quality of tourism experiences and strengthen member states’ competitiveness.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that it had received on Monday the bodies of 15 Palestinians from Israeli authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This brings the total number of Palestinian bodies received to 315 since the start of the process.

In its statement, the ministry reported that 91 of the 315 bodies have been identified so far. Forensic teams are continuing their examinations and documentation before handing the remains over to the families.

The ministry added, “38 bodies were transferred and buried in the Cemetery of the Unknowns, bringing the total number of unidentified bodies received from Israeli authorities and buried to 182.”

The statement affirmed that Gaza’s medical and forensic teams are handling the remains in accordance with humanitarian and legal procedures, in coordination with the Red Cross.

This transfer of bodies is part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which aims to stop the war and facilitate humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.