🔗 Share this article United Nations Removes Sanctions on President of Syria Ahead of Presidential Visit Security Council representatives voted in favour to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his White House visit the coming week. Sharaa was named provisional head of state subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of domestic strife. Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" following Assad's ouster. Sharaa was under global penalties while commanding the Muslim faction the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. America delisted HTS from a list of foreign terror groups in July. More Penalties Removed Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab. The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and allied countries for backing the country and its population." Forthcoming Presidential Visit President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation. Following their discussion, Trump remarked the Syrian leader had "a legitimate chance for national reconciliation". Both presidents held discussions for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through Arab nations. After that meeting, Trump portrayed him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past". His Islamist group HTS served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country until he severed ties back in 2016. Prior United States Journey This week's diplomatic engagement will not be the president's debut journey to the United States in the current year. During September, he became the initial Syrian president to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades. In his speech, he stated the country had been "restoring its proper position across international circles" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza. Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades The presidential discussion with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, elevates national expectations