US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, in a rare and symbolic moment marking the formal resumption of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Damascus following more than a decade of isolation.
The high-profile meeting, also attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, came just days after Mr Trump announced the lifting of long-standing US sanctions on Syria — a move hailed by Damascus as a “new beginning” in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also joined the session remotely, underlining growing regional interest in Syria’s reintegration following years of civil war and international sanctions.
Photographs from the meeting showed a cordial exchange between the US and Syrian leaders, with Crown Prince Mohammed playing the role of mediator. The gathering was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh and formed a central part of Trump’s multi-nation Gulf tour, which has already yielded a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia and fresh commitments on artificial intelligence and infrastructure cooperation.
Damascus Celebrates 'New Chapter'
In Damascus, the atmosphere was celebratory as news of the meeting and sanctions relief spread across the capital. Government buildings displayed Syrian flags alongside banners reading "Rebuilding Begins Now", while thousands took to the streets in symbolic parades. State TV hailed the moment as “a turning point” for Syria’s economy and international standing.
Speaking to state media, President al-Sharaa said: “We welcome the United States’ willingness to turn the page and look forward to renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.” He added that Syria was ready to work with regional and international partners to rebuild after years of destruction.
A Strategic Realignment
Trump’s visit to Riyadh has been defined by a sweeping recalibration of US policy in the Middle East, prioritising economic diplomacy and private sector collaboration over traditional security-first approaches.
In a joint press briefing, Mr Trump said: “This meeting with President al-Sharaa marks the beginning of Syria’s return to the international community. The people of Syria deserve peace, prosperity, and a future unburdened by the mistakes of the past.”
The presence of Turkish President Erdogan — albeit virtually — also drew attention, given Ankara’s complex history with Syria. Erdogan reportedly expressed cautious optimism, emphasising the importance of stability, territorial integrity, and counterterrorism coordination in Syria.
Reactions Mixed in Washington
The decision to lift sanctions has stirred mixed reactions in Washington. While some policymakers have expressed concern over the speed and scope of the policy reversal, others argue that Syria’s transitional leadership offers a window of opportunity for long-term peace and reconstruction.
Former US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, praised the meeting as “a critical step” towards Syria’s reintegration. “The country has suffered enough. Reconstruction cannot wait another decade,” he told reporters.
