Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in the United States this week to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the first time in nearly six decades that a Syrian head of state has appeared at the world body. His visit centered on appeals for sanctions relief, outreach to the Syrian diaspora and meetings with US lawmakers and officials.
Meetings With US Officials
Sharaa met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 22 in New York, according to a State Department statement. Rubio highlighted the opportunity for Syria to “build a stable and sovereign nation” following US President Donald Trump’s partial lifting of sanctions earlier this year. Discussions also touched on counterterrorism, missing Americans and the role of Israel-Syria relations in regional security.
The Syrian president also held talks with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., on the sidelines of the UNGA. Shaheen urged Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that would repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which still imposes restrictions despite Trump’s executive rollbacks. In a committee statement, Shaheen emphasized the need to protect human rights, advance reforms and ensure Syria’s diverse communities participate in political life.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said lifting sanctions remained a top priority for Damascus, arguing it would enable recovery and strengthen cooperation against terrorism.
Diaspora Engagement in New York
Shortly after arriving, Sharaa met members of the Syrian community in the US. “We must be a united people; we may not agree on everything, but we must unite,” he told attendees, according to the Syrian presidency. He stressed the importance of the diaspora in portraying Syria’s new political reality and contributing to reconstruction.
Among those present were Syrian Jews, Christians and Muslims, highlighting the government’s message of inclusivity. The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that a Syrian Jewish businessman, Yusuf Jaajati, offered a symbolic donation for rebuilding efforts, a gesture that Sharaa described as deeply moving.
Economic Focus at the Concordia Summit
At the Concordia Annual Summit, held alongside the UNGA, Sharaa outlined his government’s vision for postwar Syria, emphasizing reconstruction, investment and renewed global partnerships. In a conversation with retired US Gen. David Petraeus, Sharaa reiterated that remaining sanctions target ordinary Syrians and must be lifted.
“We have a huge task ahead of us to build the economy, and we have the personnel capable of doing it,” he said. Sharaa also ruled out Syria’s accession to the Abraham Accords, though he acknowledged advanced talks with Israel over a potential security agreement linked to the 1974 disengagement lines.
Return to the International Stage
The General Assembly appearance is Syria’s first since 1967, before the Assad family’s half-century rule. Sharaa, will deliver his debut address to the UN later this week. Political researcher Hazem al-Ghabra told Syrian media outlets that the visit “reflects international interest in positive change in Syria” but cautioned that long-term stability depends on sustained dialogue and reforms.
