Trump to meet Syrian president after lifting sanctions; heads to Qatar next
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Riyadh: United States President Donald Trump, currently on a three-nation tour of the Middle East, is set to meet interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa following his surprise announcement to lift all sanctions on Syria’s Islamist-led government.
The meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Riyadh, where the Syrian leader is attending high-level talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The White House confirmed that Trump has agreed to “say hello” to Syria’s interim president during his stay in Saudi Arabia.
Trump revealed the decision to lift the sanctions during his speech at an investment forum in Riyadh on Tuesday. Addressing the forum, he said the move would give Syria “a chance at greatness,” declaring, “It’s their time to shine.” Trump added, “There is a new government that will hopefully succeed. I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special.”
The US sanctions had previously restricted Syria from receiving any form of foreign financial assistance, including aid, and were originally imposed to pressure the now ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The lifting of the sanctions marks a major policy shift by the Trump administration, despite concerns over Ahmed al-Sharaa’s alleged past affiliations with Al Qaeda.
Celebrations erupted across Damascus following the announcement. According to BBC reports, people took to the streets with cheers, dancing, and celebratory gunfire in response to what many view as a diplomatic breakthrough and a hopeful step towards recovery.
Trump said the decision was made following consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, underlining regional support for Syria’s potential reintegration.
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia also resulted in a sweeping $600 billion investment deal with the Kingdom, accompanied by $142 billion in American arms sales to Riyadh. The President received elaborate ceremonies and multiple high-level business engagements, underscoring strong bilateral ties.
Following his meeting with the Syrian leader in Riyadh, Trump is scheduled to fly to Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Wednesday evening for a state visit with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Qatar, a key US ally in the region, is also expected to unveil hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments during Trump’s visit.