In a groundbreaking diplomatic development, Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House today, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to the executive mansion since the country gained independence in 1946. The meeting comes as Syria seeks crucial American support for its massive reconstruction efforts following 13 years of devastating civil war.
According to Turkish news outlet T24, al-Sharaa's historic visit coincides with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's presence in Washington, signaling coordinated diplomatic efforts in the region. The Syrian leader, who was recently removed from the US "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" list, arrived in Washington with an ambitious agenda focused on securing American assistance for Syria's reconstruction, estimated by the World Bank at a staggering $216 billion.
The meeting represents a dramatic shift in US-Syria relations. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, first set foot on American soil last September when he attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His removal from terrorism sanctions last Friday by the State Department paved the way for today's unprecedented White House visit.
Before his White House appointment, al-Sharaa made strategic stops in Washington, first meeting with International Monetary Fund President Kristalina Georgieva to discuss potential financial assistance for his war-torn nation. He also engaged with representatives of the Syrian community in the United States, accompanied by Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hassan Sheibani and US Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack.
Security cooperation tops the agenda for the bilateral discussions. Barrack indicated earlier this month that al-Sharaa might sign an agreement during the visit to join the US-led international coalition against ISIS, a move that would formalize Syria's participation in counter-terrorism efforts. The announcement is expected to be made official during the White House meeting.
President Trump expressed optimism about the engagement, telling White House reporters that "great progress" has been made on Syria. "He's doing a very good job," Trump said of al-Sharaa. "It's a tough region and he's a tough guy, but I got along very well with him." The two leaders first met in Saudi Arabia last May during Trump's regional tour.
The visit occurs against a complex regional backdrop. Reuters reports that the US is planning to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor developments between Syria and Israel. Simultaneously, the fifth round of security agreement talks between Israel and Syria is scheduled to take place while al-Sharaa is in Washington.
The reconstruction agenda encompasses critical sectors including energy, infrastructure, and security. Syria faces enormous challenges in rebuilding after more than a decade of conflict that has displaced millions and destroyed much of the country's infrastructure. Al-Sharaa is expected to request substantial US funding and technical assistance for the reconstruction effort.
While Trump promised to lift all sanctions on Syria following his May meeting with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the removal of harsh measures known as the Caesar Sanctions Act requires Congressional approval. The White House and State Department have explicitly supported lifting these sanctions by the end of 2025, though experts warn that potential government shutdowns could affect this timeline.
Photo: BBC