In November 2025, when US President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, there was a moment of laughter between the leaders: Trump had given the Syrian leader some of his Trump cologne. “It’s the best fragrance,” he said.
At the time, Trump said he also gave Sharaa some of the fragrance for the Syrian leader’s wife. Trump joked about whether Shara’a had more than one wife. Trump also seemed to spray that male version of the cologne on the Syrian foreign minister.
Now, more Trump-branded scents have arrived in Syria. Syria’s president wrote on X that “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 the American leader. “They are all talking about the picture we took when I gave you this great cologne,” it said.
The cologne diplomacy comes at an important time for Syria. Syria is playing a pivotal role in the region. It is helping countries with exports amid the conflict with Iran. It is working with Turkey, Iraq, and the Gulf. It is serving as a bridge and peacebuilder. It is also seeking closer ties with NATO countries and the G7. For instance, Damascus has sought to join the G7 talks in Paris. As part of this, there is more support in the G7 for financial reforms with Syria. Reports also say that Turkey wants to invite Syria to a NATO meeting.
Syrian president meets Turkish intelligence org. director
Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the Director of the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey, İbrahim Kalın, at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Tuesday, May 19. “During the meeting, the two sides discussed developments in the region and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries. Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, and General Intelligence Apparatus Chief Hussein al-Salamah attended the meeting,” Syrian state media said.
Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, also met with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy to Syria, Ann Snow. She 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 said.
Syria wants to build on US ties
Syria values the close ties with the US. It wants to build on them. It knows there is some concern in Washington on various issues. For instance, Syria knows that working on ties with Israel will be helpful because the US is very close to Israel and focused on Israeli relations currently. It also knows there may be some concern about the 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 Suwayda.
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 are ties that 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 region.