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Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for an historic official visit, as reported by the country’s state news agency. This comes a day after Washington lifted him from a terrorism blacklisting list. Sharaa, who was ousted from power by rebel forces that toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
This marks the first time a Syrian president has visited the U.S. since Syria gained independence in 1946, according to experts. The interim leader previously met with Trump in Riyadh during the president’s regional tour in May.
Earlier this month, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack expressed hope that Sharaa would sign an agreement to join the international coalition led by the U.S. against ISIS. The U.S. intends to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts and monitor developments between Syria and Israel, according to a diplomatic source in Syria.
Washington’s decision to remove Sharaa from its blacklist was anticipated. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that Sharaa’s government has been meeting U.S. demands, including efforts to locate missing Americans and eliminate residual chemical weapons. Pigott noted, “These actions acknowledge the progress made by Syrian leadership following Bashar al-Assad’s departure and over five decades of regime repression.” He added that this delisting aims to enhance regional security and stability, and to support a political process led and owned by Syrians.
Sharaa’s visit to Washington follows his historic address to the UN General Assembly in September — his first time on U.S. soil — and his address to the UN in New York, making him the first Syrian president to do so in decades. Just recently, the UN lifted sanctions against him.
Previously linked to groups associated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa’s organization, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was removed from the U.S. terrorist list in July. Since taking office, Syria’s new leadership has aimed to distance itself from past violence and portray a moderate image more acceptable to both its citizens and international partners.
The White House visit is seen as a strong indication of the United States’ support for a new Syrian direction and is considered highly symbolic for Sharaa, marking a significant step in his transformation from a militant leader to a global diplomat. He is expected to seek financial aid for Syria, which is facing enormous challenges rebuilding after over a decade of civil war. The World Bank estimates reconstruction costs at around $216 billion.
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