Meetings held on the sidelines of the 2026 Munich Security Conference featured heightened diplomatic activity on Syria, amid indications of an international and regional push to advance “national integration” and reorganize state institutions, alongside bipartisan US messaging and supportive regional statements.
US delegation points to shift on the “Caesar” file
In the most notable development on the US policy front, a statement by the US delegation attending the conference, headed by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, pointed to a change in the economic sanctions track.
Shaheen, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said her efforts succeeded in repealing Caesar Act sanctions within the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026.
The statement, published by the US State Department on February 14 after a meeting that brought together the delegation, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, said the sanctions have become an obstacle to economic recovery and investment at this stage.
Washington said lifting restrictions through its bipartisan delegation aims to help Syrians rebuild and strengthen stability, to prevent the return of the Islamic State group and curb Iranian and Russian influence.
US officials, bipartisan emphasis on Syria track
The diplomatic activity coincided with remarks by US officials reflecting growing attention to Syria.
US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X on February 14 that effective engagement and bipartisan agreement between Democrats and Republicans are key to achieving tangible progress in Syria.
Barrack highlighted Shaheen’s role and said there is alignment between the US administration and initiatives led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He described political unity in Washington as central to advancing stability and prosperity for Syrians.
Saudi meetings with Damascus and the SDF
On the sidelines of the conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings with delegations from the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
According to a statement by Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bin Farhan discussed with al-Shibani ways to strengthen cooperation, within what the ministry described as efforts to put the country’s internal house in order and move forward on a path of reform and rebuilding.
The statement said the next phase will be based on the principle of “Syria for all Syrians”.
Bin Farhan said Syria’s success is “a success for the entire region”, stressing Saudi support for the country’s path toward unity.
In a separate meeting, bin Farhan met with Mazloum Abdi. The SDF said it appreciates Saudi efforts to support agreement tracks and to lift sanctions, noting Riyadh’s readiness to support whatever Syrians agree on, with a focus on implementing the January 30 agreement.
Steps to implement the January 30 agreement
In parallel with the political momentum, steps to implement the agreement have moved forward through administrative and security measures.
Administrative steps included issuing a decree appointing a new governor for al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria), and beginning the handover of key facilities, including al-Qamishli Airport and the Rmeilan oil fields (both in al-Hasakah governorate, northeastern Syria), under joint management.
Security measures included reciprocal withdrawals from front lines and the entry of Internal Security Forces into central areas in al-Hasakah and al-Qamishli (northeastern Syria).
In the same context, an institutional restructuring process began through merging structures of the Autonomous Administration and forming joint units, in a move aimed at ending the administrative and military divide.
International meetings back “integration” track
These developments followed meetings held by the joint Syrian delegation on February 13 with international officials in Munich, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on mechanisms to advance “national integration” and guarantee the rights of Syria’s different components.
Washington said implementing internal agreements in Syria is a priority under its current policy, as part of supporting stability and rebuilding state institutions.
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