Syria’s historic UN visit began with President Ahmed al-Sharaa arriving in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This is the first time in nearly six decades that a Syrian head of state has attended the annual gathering.
The last Syrian leader to attend was President Nureddin al-Atassi, who ruled before the al-Assad family took power in 1971. In a dramatic change, al-Sharaa later toppled Bashar al-Assad’s government in December. He arrived in New York on Sunday, leading a large delegation of Syrian officials. State media called this a “landmark trip,” highlighting its importance.
Moreover, Syria’s historic UN visit symbolizes growing international acceptance of al-Sharaa’s government. His administration rose swiftly after more than ten years of fighting as a rebel in northern Syria. The visit reflects a major milestone in normalizing Syria’s relations with the world.
Previously, al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump in May at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit. This was the first meeting between a Syrian and U.S. president in 25 years. At the summit, Trump announced that the U.S. would drop all sanctions on Syria. He also mentioned that Washington was “exploring normalizing relations” with Syria’s new government.
However, al-Sharaa’s government faces challenges. Internal unrest flared in June in the southern Suwayda region. Additionally, repeated Israeli strikes and incursions into Syrian territory continue, despite ongoing talks between the two nations. Syria accuses Israel of violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by setting up military posts in demilitarized zones. Syria views these actions as part of Israel’s “expansionist and partition plans.”
In a recent interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, al-Sharaa praised Trump’s decision to lift sanctions. He called it a “quick, courageous and historic decision.” He said the U.S. recognized Syria should be “safe, stable and unified.” Al-Sharaa expressed hope for another meeting with Trump during his New York visit. “We need to discuss many issues and mutual interests,” he said. “We must restore relations in a good and direct way.”
At the end of June, Trump signed an executive order terminating most remaining sanctions on Syria. Damascus welcomed the move, saying it would unlock “long-awaited reconstruction and development” funds.
Following his arrival, al-Sharaa met members of the Syrian community in the U.S. Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also raised the country’s new flag over the Washington embassy. Ultimately, Syria’s historic UN visit signals a new chapter for the country amid ongoing efforts to rebuild and normalize foreign relations.
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