Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Turkey—the first top-level U.S.-Syrian meeting in 15 years—as part of efforts to normalize relations following President Trump’s decision to begin lifting sanctions on Syria.

Rubio announced the U.S. would start sanctions relief to help stabilize Syria, while emphasizing human rights and the need to end Iran’s influence.

The Treasury Department is working to implement these changes, though some sanctions require congressional approval, Axios has reported.

Trump’s move, urged by leaders including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, drew criticism from Israel, which was not informed beforehand and opposes lifting sanctions.

Written by B.C. Begley