ALBAWABA - After their high-profile meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, calling him a “charming, strong-built young leader” with a “powerful past.” Amid mounting rumors that Washington may improve ties with Damascus, the meeting is the first formal meeting between an American president and a Syrian in 25 years.
Trump told reporters on Air Force One on the way to Qatar that the discussions went "very well" and made a suggestion about potential future collaboration. The notion of Syria joining the Abraham Accords was considered, he said, adding that Al-Sharaa had a "real opportunity to preserve Syria's unity." Trump claims that while Al-Sharaa indicated an interest in signing the deal, it stressed that Syria must first "fix its internal situation."
Important items mentioned at the discussion were subsequently verified by the White House. Trump urged Al-Sharaa to drive out Palestinian groups that Washington has designated as terrorist groups from Syria. Additionally, he called on Damascus to back American initiatives to stop the Islamic State (ISIS) from resurrecting.
In exchange, President Al-Sharaa allegedly extended an invitation to American businesses to participate in Syria's gas and oil industries, suggesting a possible avenue for U.S. economic engagement in Syria after the conflict.
According to reports, al-Sharaa, a founding member of Jabhat al-Nusra, a group that swore loyalty to al-Qaeda, split from the group in 2016. Washington has taken notice of his political ascent and present transitional leadership, especially as Syria goes through a delicate period of rebuilding and realignment.
Improving the situation in Syria is a "humanitarian and security necessity," according to U.S. Special Envoy Michael Mitchell, and the State Department said the Trump-Al-Sharaa meeting sent "clear and direct messages."
President Trump's Gulf visit, which includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, coincides with the summit. Leaders in the region have endorsed the action. The UAE formally welcomed the decision of sanctions relief for Syria, while the King of Bahrain praised Trump for advancing peace and removing sanctions.
Additionally, Trump said that he had discussed Syria with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and that he was amenable to wider collaboration.
The meeting is generally seen as a possible watershed in U.S.-Syria relations and an indication that, under Al-Sharaa's leadership, Washington may be adjusting its position on Damascus.
