The United States' newly-appointed Syria envoy said he believed peace between Syria and Israel was achievable as he made his first trip to Damascus on Thursday, praising the Islamist-led government and saying it was ready for dialogue.

The symbolic raising marks the first time the U.S. flag has flown above Damascus since Washington shut down its embassy in response to deadly violence.

The U.S. flag has been hoisted outside of the long-shuttered ambassador’s residence in Damascus. It's a sign of growing ties between Washington and the new Syrian government.