Syria has hailed Wednesday’s meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump as a “historic” development in bilateral relations and an important step towards ending Syria’s international isolation. During the meeting, Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to stand by Syria at this critical juncture, while both leaders discussed key issues related to Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.
A statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria and supporting its reconstruction. The US decision to lift sanctions is seen as a crucial step in facilitating Syria’s reconstruction efforts, which have been severely hampered by more than a decade of war and economic isolation.
During the meeting, Trump said, “We all have to hope that the new Syrian government succeeds in stabilising the country.” He also announced, “I will be ordering the lifting of sanctions on Syria to give them a chance at greatness. The sanctions have been crippling and very powerful,” signalling the US intention to help Syria recover. The announcement follows a previously cautious US approach to engaging with Syria’s new government, led by President al-Sharaa, also known as al-Julani, a former militant who fought against US forces in Iraq.
President Trump and President al-Sharaa were joined at the meeting by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated via telephone, further demonstrating regional support for the diplomatic breakthrough.
The meeting also discussed enhancing Syrian-American cooperation on counter-terrorism, with a particular focus on eliminating the influence of non-state actors and non-Syrian armed groups that hinder regional stability, such as ISIS.
Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria marks a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, following months of negotiations involving Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which have been lobbying for Syria’s reintegration into the international community. The announcement is expected to give Syria access to critical economic resources needed for reconstruction, particularly in the context of the country’s vast oil reserves.
