Damascus hosts top US commander as Syria, Washington explore cooperation

ISTANBUL

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and first lady Latifa Al-Droubi on Friday received Adm. Charles Bradley Cooper, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), and his wife Susan Cooper at the People’s Palace in Damascus, the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA reported.

The meeting was also attended by US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack and an accompanying delegation, alongside several Syrian Cabinet ministers and senior officials.

Talks focused on prospects for political and military cooperation in ways that serve mutual interests and consolidate security and stability in Syria and the region, according to SANA.

The encounter reflected what the agency described as a positive atmosphere and a joint commitment to strengthening strategic partnership and expanding channels of communication between Damascus and Washington at multiple levels.

Sharaa is also set to take part in the UN General Assembly and its High-Level Week, scheduled for Sept. 22-30 in New York City.

This would mark the first participation by a Syrian president since 1967 and its first-ever participation in High-Level Week.

Sharaa will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and a high-level diplomatic delegation, according to SANA.

Since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in late 2024, Syria’s new administration has pursued political and economic reforms while promoting social cohesion and working to expand cooperation with regional and international partners.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the Ba'ath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.