Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa capped his first visit to the US with a historic address to the United Nations General Assembly and a string of meetings that officials described as signaling Syria’s reentry to the global stage after decades of isolation.
A Historic Speech Before the World
Sharaa became the first Syrian head of state to address the UNGA since 1967. “Here is Syria today, returning to its position that is worthy among the nations of the world,” he told assembled leaders, thanking Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab and Islamic nations, alongside the US and the EU, for supporting Syria during years of crisis.
European Union chargé d’affaires to Syria, Mikhail Onmacht, called the appearance “a very important step,” writing on X that it opened the door to “a new stage on the international scene.” The US State Department likewise welcomed Syria’s participation, saying Washington supports its unity and dialogue with Israel toward a diplomatic settlement.
Breakthrough With Ukraine
One of the most notable developments came when Sharaa met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, September 25. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sibia, signed an agreement to restore diplomatic ties, ending years of estrangement under the former Assad regime.
Zelensky hailed the decision on X as a step toward “mutual respect and trust,” adding that Ukraine was prepared to support Syria on its “march toward stability.” The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the move as part of a broader policy of openness aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian fields.
Intensive Diplomatic Week
Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani used the week to meet dozens of counterparts. The foreign minister held talks with officials from Russia, Jordan, Poland, Singapore, Bahrain, Egypt, Germany, Brazil, Greece, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, among others. He also joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s ministerial meeting and conferred with humanitarian agencies including UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the World Health Organization.
In Washington’s view, the presence of the Syrian delegation was significant. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack told Anadolu Agency that the US lifted sanctions at the request of regional partners and would back efforts to form a centralized government that protects Syria’s diversity. President Donald Trump called Sharaa “a responsible man who works for Syria,” adding that lifting sanctions was intended to “give it a chance to breathe.”
Turning a Page
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, after meeting Sharaa, emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue to advance Syria’s political transition. Analysts noted that Sharaa’s appearance doubled as a public relations effort, with Maya Ungar of the International Crisis Group describing it as “a way to present the new Syria to the broader international community.”
For Syrians watching outside UN security barriers, the moment was deeply symbolic. “There were tears and a sense of excitement that the time had finally come to turn a new page for Syria,” Ungar said.
