Last November, when US President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the White House, they shared a moment of laughter. Trump had provided the Syrian leader with some of his Trump-branded cologne. “It’s the best fragrance,” he said.
Trump also said some of his brand’s perfumes were for Sharaa’s wife. Trump joked about whether Sharaa had more than one wife. Trump also seemed to spray the male version of the cologne on the Syrian foreign minister.
Now, more Trump-branded scents have arrived in Syria.
Sharaa wrote on X/Twitter: “Some meetings leave an impression; ours apparently left a fragrance. Thank you, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump, for your generosity and for topping up this precious gift. May the spirit of that meeting continue to shape a stronger relationship between Syria and the United States.”
The cologne came in two cases, red and black, with a note from Trump. The note says: “They are all talking about the picture we took when I gave you this great cologne.”
The cologne diplomacy comes at an important time for Syria. Damascus is playing a pivotal role in the region by helping countries with exports amid the Iran conflict.
It is working with Turkey, Iraq, and the Gulf states, playing the role of a bridge and peace builder. It is also seeking closer ties with NATO countries and the Group of Seven.
For instance, Damascus has sought to join the G7 talks in Paris. There is more support in the G7 for financial reforms regarding Syria, and Turkey wants to invite Syria to a NATO meeting, according to reports.
Syrian president meets Turkish intelligence org. director
Sharaa met with Ibrahim Kalın, the director of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, in Damascus on Tuesday.
“During the meeting, the two sides discussed developments in the region and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries,” Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syria’s official news agency, reported. “Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Apparatus Chief Hussein al-Salamah attended the meeting.”
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani also met with UK Special Envoy to Syria Ann Snow, who is wrapping up her important diplomatic mission.
“During the meeting, al-Shaibani praised Snow’s efforts in strengthening and developing bilateral relations between the two countries, commending her role in enhancing dialogue and cooperation throughout her tenure,” SANA reported.
Syria wants to build on US ties
Syria values close ties with the US and wants to build on them. It knows there is some concern in Washington regarding various issues.
For instance, Damascus knows improving its ties with Israel will be helpful, because the US is very close with Israel. It also knows there may be some concern about treatment of minorities in Syria, such as Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites.
As such, Damascus is trying to navigate complex challenges. It is trying to integrate Kurdish forces and manage the situation in southern Syria with the Druze in Sweida.
Two bottles of cologne won’t sort all this out, but it is a symbol of the unique ties between Syria and the US that have developed between Sharaa and Trump.
These ties were brokered by Saudi Arabia and Turkey. As such, the White House is listening closely to voices in the region that see Syrian success as a potential win for the Middle East.