Trump Urges Syria to Join Israel Normalization in Historic Meeting with President Al-Sharaa in Riyadh
First U.S.-Syria Presidential Meeting in 25 Years Marks Potential Shift as Trump Promises to Lift Sanctions and Opens Door to Diplomatic Ties.
Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump called on his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, to join normalization agreements with Israel during their first-ever meeting today, Wednesday, in Riyadh, held on the sidelines of Trump’s Gulf tour. This meeting follows Trump’s promise to lift sanctions on Syria.
According to Turkish Anadolu Agency diplomatic sources, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also participated via video conference in the meeting, which included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman alongside Trump and Al-Sharaa.
The White House announced that Trump asked Al-Sharaa to assist in preventing the return of ISIS, and also urged him “to deport Palestinian terrorists,” referring to Palestinian resistance factions based in Syria. This marks the first meeting between U.S. and Syrian presidents in 25 years.
Trump Signals Policy Shift Toward Syria, Promises to Lift Sanctions and Normalize Ties
Commenting on the meeting, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani wrote on X:“We share this achievement with the Syrian people who have sacrificed for Syria to reclaim its rightful place. Now begins the path to a great Syria. Praise be to God.”
Speaking at the U.S.-Gulf summit in Riyadh, Trump said he is considering normalizing ties with Syria’s new government, noting that the process began with his meeting with President Shar’a. The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Trump had agreed to receive the Syrian president during his Saudi visit.
The meeting comes after Trump announced yesterday his intention to lift sanctions on Syria “to give it a chance.” He stated that this decision was made following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Erdoğan.
During his speech in Riyadh, Trump declared:“Syria has suffered from wars. My administration has taken the first step toward normalizing relations with Damascus,” expressing hope for the success of Syria’s new leadership.
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Trump Lifts Sanctions, Sends Rubio to Meet Syrian FM as Damascus Eyes Reintegration
He also announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani in Turkey.
Syria has struggled to meet conditions set by Washington for easing sanctions, which have long isolated the country from the global financial system and made post-war economic recovery nearly impossible after a devastating 14-year war.
Reuters previously reported on efforts to arrange the Trump-Al-Sharaa meeting, noting that Al-Sharaa had made several gestures toward the Trump administration as a sign of goodwill. According to the agency, Gulf nations, a U.S. businessman, and Syrian activists played key roles in facilitating the meeting.
