Syrian President Meets with Trump in Historic White House Talks
Ahmed Al-Sharaa is the first Syrian leader to visit the White House since the country's independence in 1946.
Washington: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday for unprecedented talks, days after Washington removed him from a terrorism blacklist.
This historic meeting marks the first time a Syrian leader has visited the White House since the nation gained its independence in 1946.
Sharaa, who was formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda and is the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), saw his group delisted as a terrorist organization by Washington in July, with Sharaa himself being removed from the list on Friday.
The White House stated that both the arrival and meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa took place behind closed doors without the presence of media.
Trump expressed positive views towards Al-Sharaa last week, praising him for his work and progress made in Syria.
The meeting is seen as a significant moment for Al-Sharaa's transformation from a militant leader to a global statesman.
Additionally, there are plans for Sharaa to sign an agreement to join the international US-led alliance against Daesh.
The United States intends to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel.
Furthermore, discussions have been ongoing regarding a potential pact to end decades-long enmity between Syria and Israel, part of Trump's broader Middle East peace settlement goals.
Sharaa is also expected to seek US funds for rebuilding efforts in Syria, which has faced significant challenges following 13 years of civil war.
His arrival in Washington included meetings with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva regarding potential aid and a basketball game with US CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and the head of the international anti-Daesh operation in Iraq.
The State Department noted that Sharaa's government has been meeting US demands regarding the search for missing Americans and the elimination of any remaining chemical weapons.
This diplomatic outreach towards Washington comes after Al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly last month, marking the first time a Syrian president had done so in decades.
The United States also led a Security Council vote to remove UN sanctions against him.
Additionally, Sharaa has been engaging in diplomatic efforts with other nations, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.
This historic meeting marks the first time a Syrian leader has visited the White House since the nation gained its independence in 1946.
Sharaa, who was formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda and is the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), saw his group delisted as a terrorist organization by Washington in July, with Sharaa himself being removed from the list on Friday.
The White House stated that both the arrival and meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa took place behind closed doors without the presence of media.
Trump expressed positive views towards Al-Sharaa last week, praising him for his work and progress made in Syria.
The meeting is seen as a significant moment for Al-Sharaa's transformation from a militant leader to a global statesman.
Additionally, there are plans for Sharaa to sign an agreement to join the international US-led alliance against Daesh.
The United States intends to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel.
Furthermore, discussions have been ongoing regarding a potential pact to end decades-long enmity between Syria and Israel, part of Trump's broader Middle East peace settlement goals.
Sharaa is also expected to seek US funds for rebuilding efforts in Syria, which has faced significant challenges following 13 years of civil war.
His arrival in Washington included meetings with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva regarding potential aid and a basketball game with US CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and the head of the international anti-Daesh operation in Iraq.
The State Department noted that Sharaa's government has been meeting US demands regarding the search for missing Americans and the elimination of any remaining chemical weapons.
This diplomatic outreach towards Washington comes after Al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly last month, marking the first time a Syrian president had done so in decades.
The United States also led a Security Council vote to remove UN sanctions against him.
Additionally, Sharaa has been engaging in diplomatic efforts with other nations, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.