Video Talks in Focus
Syria's finance minister, Muhammad Yisr Barnieh, held a video conference with the U.S. Treasury's assistant secretary for terrorist financing and financial crimes, Jonathan Burke, to discuss the country's return to the international financial system. The two sides examined the practical steps needed to ease Syria's reintegration into the global financial network after years of isolation.
The finance ministry announced the meeting through its official channels on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Path Back to Global Banking
The conversation centered on reopening Syrian access to international payments, cross-border banking transfers, and dealings with foreign financial institutions. Both sides reviewed technical cooperation, capacity building, and training between the two treasuries, with particular attention to public finance and the wider financial sector.
Restoring these channels is central to trade and investment, which depend on the ability of Syrian banks to clear transactions abroad and to widen engagement with American financial agencies and institutions.
After the Sanctions Lift
The officials weighed measures to be taken following the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria, notably in light of the U.S. decision to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The U.S. side welcomed the progress achieved in Syria's financial reforms and affirmed its support for continuing them.
The minister thanked the Treasury for its role in supporting Syria's economic recovery and stressed the value of continued dialogue and regular engagement to turn shared priorities into practical results.
Transparency Commitments
Reconnecting to the global system typically requires a commitment to international standards on transparency, anti-money laundering, and counterterrorism financing. The minister underscored the state's determination to anchor integrity and transparency in the financial sector as a foundation for restored confidence.
Building on July Forum
The talks built on momentum from the first Syrian-American Business Forum, held in Damascus on 13 July 2026. In a recorded address, a senior U.S. State Department official said Washington is working with the Syrian government to facilitate Syria's integration into the global financial system and to provide banking solutions and a clear regulatory environment that support investment and trade.
The meeting followed a series of announced U.S. steps to support Syria's economic recovery and reconnect it to international markets and banks.