Damascus, Sept. 17 (SANA)Syria and theUnited Statesare entering a new phase of partnership as political, security and economic contacts expand between the two countries, a senior Syrian Foreign Ministry official said Wednesday.

Saad Baroud, director of the American Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, told Syria’s Al-Ikhbariya TV that a recent call between Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had addressed political, security and economic issues and could pave the way for continued communication between Damascus and Washington.

Baroud said Syria had taken steps to strengthen security and stability, including efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking and dispose of weapons left from the deposed regime.

He said improving security inside Syria would contribute to regional stability, particularly through stronger border controls and efforts to makeSyrian territorysecure for Syrians and neighboring countries.

Baroud said Syria offered significant investment opportunities and that the presence of U.S. companies could help encourage investors from Europe and the Gulf.

U.S. companies have held meetings with Syrian officials and institutions to explore investment opportunities in several sectors, he said.

Baroud said opportunities were available in oil, telecommunications, technology and tourism after years of limited investment. Describing Syria as a “factory of opportunities,” he said economic recovery should be driven by investment rather than aid.

A U.S. business delegation visited Damascus this week for meetings with Syrian officials on investment and private-sector cooperation.

Baroud said Syria’s full integration into the global banking system would require further technical and legislative measures after decades of limited access. He said work was underway to develop banking infrastructure and legislation related to counterterrorism and anti-money laundering.

He said aU.S. Treasury Departmentdelegation had visited Syria and met the governor of the Central Bank of Syria and the finance minister.

The central bank governor and finance minister are expected to visit the United States to continue technical discussions, Baroud said, adding that establishing banking links and introducing Mastercard and Visa services would require further development of Syria’s banking and technological infrastructure.

Baroud said the U.S. side supported those efforts and praised the Syrian government’s work to address gaps accumulated over previous years.

He said U.S. investment could contribute to job creation and infrastructure development, particularly in housing and transportation, while Syria’s geographic position offered opportunities in tourism and logistics.

Turning to President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s planned visit to New York, Baroud said the president was expected to attend meetings of theU.N. General Assemblyand hold talks with political leaders, heads of state and U.N. officials.

The visit would include events outlining Syria’s approach to the return of migrants and the role of the international community in supporting that process, he said.

Baroud reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to its unity and sovereignty over all its territory, saying balanced international partnerships were compatible with national sovereignty.