The initial public acknowledgment of interactions with HTS occurred at the end of Blinken’s diplomatic journey in the region, triggered by Assad’s unexpected regime collapse after decades.

Blinken approved a series of fundamental principles for Syria’s transition in collaboration with representatives from eight Arab countries, Turkey, the European Union, and the United Nations.

According to the agreement, the transition procedure should be led by Syrians and be inclusive. The rights of all Syrians, including women, must be respected; unrestricted humanitarian aid must be provided; Syria must be prohibited from serving as a terrorist base; and all chemical weapon stockpiles must be eliminated.

“While we are aware of the difficulties that lie ahead, there is something incredibly potent at play: the determination of the Syrian people to leave their past behind and build a better future,” said Blinken.

The U.S. official also reiterated that aiding in the search for Austin Tice — an American freelance journalist believed to have been captured near Damascus in August 2012 while reporting on the country’s civil war — and securing his return will be a high priority.