### Historic Meeting: President Trump Welcomes Syrian Leader in Riyadh

#### This meeting marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Syria relations, ending years of diplomatic isolation.

In a groundbreaking diplomatic development, President Trump met with Ahmed al-Shara, the newly appointed president of Syria, in Riyadh on May 14, 2025. This meeting, the first of its kind in 25 years, signifies a monumental shift in U.S. policy as Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria—a move aimed at reviving the war-torn nation's economy and fostering stability in the Middle East.

The meeting transpired just before Trump participated in a summit with leaders from six Arab nations, underscoring its significance. Trump's half-hour discussion with al-Shara, who before leading the Syrian rebels was affiliated with Al Qaeda, comes in the wake of the latter's successful ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Syrian administration has been actively seeking the removal of international sanctions to restore its economy, which has suffered tremendously due to the prolonged conflict.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia facilitated the meeting and was present alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who joined in via phone. In this historic encounter, Trump urged al-Shara to normalize relations with Israel and to expel foreign militants from Syrian territory. The White House presented the meeting as a "tremendous opportunity" for a new chapter in Syria's history.

Al-Shara’s administration has been making strides to distance itself from its militant roots and is now looking to establish a positive image internationally. Following the meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan remarked on Syria’s potential to grow economically, emphasizing the educated workforce available to help rebuild the nation.

As Trump continues his Middle East tour, which includes stops in Qatar and other Gulf states, this meeting with al-Shara reinforces his administration's intent to change the dynamics within the region. The lifting of sanctions has drawn acclaim and is seen as crucial to averting further economic decline in Syria, which could have ripple effects throughout the region.

In a broader context, this diplomatic engagement reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf nations, fostering a collaborative approach to regional stability while encouraging Syria's reintegration into the international community. This meeting and the policy shift it signals may redefine the future landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy.