In a groundbreaking shift in US foreign policy, President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Riyadh, marking the first direct engagement between the two nations’ leaders in over a decade. The meeting, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) and attended remotely by Turkish President Recep Erdogan, took place on the sidelines of the Gulf-US summit and lasted approximately 33 minutes, according to Saudi media.
“A New Beginning”
President Trump used the occasion to formally announce the lifting of all US sanctions on Syria, calling it “a real opportunity for a new beginning.” Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum a day earlier, Trump emphasized the move was aimed at helping Syria “grow and develop” after years of war and economic isolation.
“This is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” Trump said, referring to Sharaa, who assumed leadership after the fall of the Assad regime late last year. He also revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Turkey to continue bilateral talks.
Crown Prince MBS praised Trump’s decision, framing it as a humanitarian step that would relieve suffering and encourage reconstruction. “Respecting Syria’s sovereignty and supporting its unity is critical for the region’s security,” MBS told summit attendees.
Erdogan, who joined the meeting via video conference, echoed those sentiments, calling the sanctions relief “historic” and reaffirming Turkey’s support for Syria in its fight against terrorism, especially against remnants of ISIS.
A Historic Realignment
The meeting comes amid a broader US realignment in the Middle East. The Trump administration has faced criticism from some domestic and Israeli officials for engaging with Sharaa, who formerly led al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate. However, the White House emphasized that Sharaa has distanced himself from extremist elements and is now viewed by many in the region as a pragmatic leader.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump urged Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel and take responsibility for ISIS detention centers in northeastern Syria. Trump also called on Syria to expel foreign militants and curb the resurgence of terrorist groups.
According to a senior Syrian official cited by Fox News, Sharaa conveyed Syria’s willingness to establish “a strong strategic relationship with the US,” viewing Trump as a leader capable of delivering peace in the region. He further expressed hopes for American investment in Syria’s oil and gas sectors and reiterated support for the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel.
While details of any future cooperation remain limited, both sides confirmed that their foreign ministers would meet again later this week in Turkey to advance dialogue. The meeting may prove to be a key milestone in reshaping post-war Syria’s global standing and redefining US engagement in the Middle East.
