In brief
In a landmark encounter in Riyadh, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, marking the first direct dialogue between leaders of the two nations in 25 years. This meeting follows Trump's announcement to lift sanctions on Syria, representing a significant change in U.S. foreign policy towards a nation historically isolated since its civil conflict began in 2011.
The talks, lasting approximately thirty minutes, also included key regional figures like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who participated via phone. Trump encouraged al-Shara to seize the "tremendous opportunity" presented to him and urged actions aimed at normalizing relations with Israel and expelling foreign militants from Syria. This diplomatic engagement reflects an attempt to reintegrate Syria into the global community and alleviate its economic hardships resulting from prolonged international sanctions. The meeting's backdrop underscores a gradual but notable shift, with several Gulf nations expressing support for Syria’s socio-economic revival. However, skepticism remains regarding al-Shara's governance, especially considering his ties to extremist groups in the past. As Trump concluded this session, he prepared to advance his tour further into the Gulf, where discussions on regional stability, particularly regarding ongoing conflicts in Gaza, continue to unfold. Cooperation among Gulf states appears critical in the U.S.'s evolving stance toward Syria, emphasizing a collective goal of rebuilding and stabilizing the region.
