Washington DC [US], November 12: Syria's interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel commander, met US President Donald Trump on Monday, becoming the first Syrian head of state to visit the White House in what was described as a "historic" visit.
Just a year ago, Al Sharaa was still listed as a wanted terrorist in the United States and Syria was in the final weeks of a bloody civil war. The US administration said Trump aims to keep his promise to give Syria "a chance at greatness" by extending the suspension of certain sanctions for six months. The sanctions have not been lifted entirely, according to a Treasury Department document. The easing is intended to support Syria's reconstruction and stability.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, also received at the White House, described the meeting as constructive and said it had been prepared over several months. The Syrian Foreign Ministry added that both sides agreed on a roadmap to restore diplomatic relations, reopen joint institutions and strengthen political and economic cooperation.
Monday's talks would have been unthinkable just a year ago, before former ruler Bashar Al Assad was ousted and in the final weeks of the nearly 14 years of civil war that reshaped Syria's political landscape.
Al Sharaa led an alliance that toppled the decades-long Assad family regime in December 2024. As recently as last December, Washington was offering a $10 million reward for Al Sharaa's capture for his role as militant commander.
The bounty was withdrawn after Al Sharaa's fighters toppled the Al Assad regime.
The president has sought to distance himself from his militant past, cultivating a cosmopolitan image. Since taking office, he has travelled internationally to reconnect Syria with the global community.
Source: Qatar Tribune
