U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack hails new era of infrastructure and diplomacy in Syria
US envoy Barrack attends Damascus signing ceremony for $14B infrastructure projects after sanctions lift. Meets Syrian president, backs reconstruction with Qatari/Turkish firms. 'Syria's prosperity begins with stability,' he states.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The United States Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, on Wednesday reaffirmed American support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts following his participation in a high-level investment signing ceremony held in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
In a statement posted on X, Ambassador Barrack declared, “The future of a prosperous and peaceful Syria is in the hands of Syria and its regional partners, like Qatar’s UCC and Türkiye’s Cengiz and Kalyon groups, who were awarded the Build-Operate-Transfer for the new Damascus International Airport.”
He added, “With the President of the United States lifting of sanctions, I was happy to attend the signing ceremony in Damascus today. The path to recovery must begin with the fits and starts of building a foundation of security and stability, then followed by government systems and ultimately enterprise and prosperity.”
Ambassador Barrack’s statement came shortly after his meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, held in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. According to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed the latest political and security developments, as well as strategies to advance the political process in a manner that respects Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
The visit comes amid a wave of diplomatic activity in Damascus, in parallel with the launch of extensive investment agreements with international firms.
Earlier on Wednesday, signing ceremonies took place at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, where 12 strategic investment memoranda for over 14$ billion, were formalized between Syria and various international companies, in the presence of both Interim President al-Sharaa and the U.S. Special Envoy.
Talal al-Hilali, Chairman of the Syrian Investment Authority, stated that today’s meeting "represents a clear declaration of Syria’s openness to investment and its readiness to build a prosperous future with trustworthy partners."
Ambassador Barrack praised Syria’s historical and geographic significance, saying, “Syrian land produces greatness, and Damascus has been a hub of trade and transport for thousands of years.”
Among the landmark projects signed are: a $4 billion development plan for Damascus International Airport; a $2 billion metro project in the capital; the $2 billion Damascus Towers; Baramkeh Towers at $500 million; and Baramkeh Mall at $60 million. Additional investments target vital infrastructure and urban transportation upgrades.
Chairman al-Hilali emphasized that these projects are designed to serve as engines for job creation and as instruments to strengthen trust between Syria and global investors. He noted that the agreements are grounded in principles of law, transparency, and the will of the Syrian people.
The investment drive and accompanying diplomatic momentum signal a critical shift in Syria’s post-war trajectory, positioning the country to transition from conflict to a phase of reconstruction, governance reform, and long-term economic recovery.
