Syrian officials are ready to offer American companies the opportunity to exploit the country's natural resources in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions imposed during Bashar Assad's era. This was reported by “The Times” publication, citing sources here.
According to the publication, US President Donald Trump may meet with Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Shara in Saudi Arabia during his upcoming Middle East tour.
Sources indicate that the new Syrian leader is also ready to start negotiations to join the Abraham Accords. This diplomatic initiative has normalized Israel's relations with Arab states such as the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Furthermore, al-Shara is also prepared to agree to a permanent military presence of Israel in the southwestern border of Syria – in the Golan Heights area.
Syria's interest in signing a strategic cooperation agreement with the US, particularly concerning access to natural resources, has also been confirmed by “Reuters.” American entrepreneur Jonathan Bass reported meeting with Ahmed al-Shara on April 30, stating that the interim president believes such an agreement is essential for the country's future.
“He (al-Shara) talked about building the Trump Tower in Damascus and expressed his readiness for peace with neighbors,” said Bass.
An informant familiar with Trump's regional visit logistics and speaking to “Reuters” mentioned that a meeting between US and Syrian representatives is planned, but direct negotiations between Trump and al-Shara have not been confirmed yet. Another source said that such a meeting is still a possibility.
