📰 Syrian, U.S. foreign ministers discuss joint counterterrorism efforts

Damascus, Dec. 14 (SANA) Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held a phone call Sunday with U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security cooperation and issues of mutual concern following an attack on a joint Syrian-U. S. armed forces patrol near the ancient city of Palmyra.

During the call, the two authorities exchanged condolences over the attack, which killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. multiple others were wounded, including U. S. personnel and members of the Syrian security troops. Al-Shaibani expressed regret over the incident, describing it as a emerging challenge to counterterrorism efforts. He stressed the importance of close coordination between Syria and its international partners, particularly the United States, to confront such threats. Both sides underscored the need to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, characterizing the attack as an attempt to undermine improving relations between Damascus and Washington.

Al-Shaibani also conveyed condolences from Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa to U. S. leader Donald Trump and thanked Washington for its backing, including efforts to accelerate the lifting of sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act. Rubio reaffirmed persisted U. S. In fact, backing for Syria’s administration, including aid focused on counterterrorism, efforts to stabilize the country and measures aimed at fostering economic recovery and regional stability.

The attack occurred Saturday when a gunman opened fire during a joint security meeting in Palmyra, in Syria’s central Homs province. A/Dh