Syrian diplomacy is witnessing a historic moment as President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrives at the White House to meet his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. This marks the first visit of a Syrian president to Washington since the country’s independence in 1946, a scene imbued with deep political symbolism and reflecting the culmination of a new phase confirming Syria’s return as an active player on the international stage.
This visit comes in the wake of a series of recent U.S. positions toward Syria, characterized by openness and readiness for partnership, driven by the successes of the Syrian government in domestic and foreign policies. Consequently, Washington now views Damascus as a key partner in promoting regional stability.
President al-Sharaa in Washington to meet Trump
President al-Sharaa arrived in Washington on an official visit, coming from Brazil, where he participated in the COP30 Climate Summit held on November 6-7 in Belém. During the summit, he met with a number of heads of state, government officials, and representatives of international organizations.
President al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House to discuss several issues, primarily the lifting of sanctions on Syria and counter-terrorism efforts.
This will be the third meeting between Presidents al-Sharaa and Trump, following previous encounters in Riyadh last May and in New York during the UN General Assembly in September.
“Caesar Act” as a key to economic recovery
The president’s visit carries multiple dimensions, covering diverse files, and is particularly significant as a pivotal step in efforts to end sanctions imposed on Syria, foremost among them the “Caesar Act,” which has had a profound impact on the Syrian economy and hindered reconstruction efforts.
During his meeting with Syrian organizations in Washington, President al-Sharaa stated, “Sanctions are in their final stages, and we must continue working toward their removal,” emphasizing that Syria requires the efforts of its citizens both domestically and abroad to rebuild the country.
President Trump issued an executive order on June 30 to terminate the sanctions program on Syria, while maintaining individual sanctions on criminal Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and human rights violators. Subsequently, steps to repeal the “Caesar Act” began with a Senate vote on October 10. The act now requires approval from the House of Representatives and the President’s signature to be officially revoked.
Since taking office, President al-Sharaa has prioritized the economy, repeatedly affirming that security and stability cannot be achieved without development, particularly by restoring Syria’s position as a key investment destination in the region after years of war and isolation.
Syria’s diplomatic achievements: historic but substantive
Describing recent Syrian diplomatic accomplishments as “historic” is not an exaggeration, but rather a reflection of the profound transformation taking place in the country. Observers following events in Syria can discern that such a description is well-deserved.
A country whose people rose in 2011 against one of the most violent and criminal regimes in history, enduring years of war, displacement, and exile, has now returned to the international arena as an effective diplomatic actor. Syria is forging strategic and developmental partnerships, restoring its presence and standing among nations. These achievements, therefore, are rightfully termed historic, given their significant impact on both Syria and the wider region.
Amer Dhawa
