The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed Shara marked the first direct engagement between the two nations’ leaders since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict.

More importantly, Ahmed Shara became the first Syrian head of state in history to be formally received by an American president at the White House.

The 90-minute meeting reportedly focused on lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, rebuilding bilateral relations, and addressing regional stability. Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present. Following the talks, Shara stepped out of his car to greet Syrians gathered outside the White House — a gesture widely shared on social media.

“Gets Along Well with Erdoğan, a Great Leader”

Speaking after the meeting, President Trump described his talks with Shara as “very positive and constructive,” emphasizing his desire to see Syria thrive.

We want Syria to be a successful country, and I believe President Shara can make that happen.

U.S. President Donald Trump

The U.S. President also praised Türkiye’s role in the region, saying:

President Shara gets along very well with President Erdoğan, who is a great leader. Erdoğan strongly supports what’s happening in Syria — that’s a big opportunity for the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump called Shara “a strong leader from a tough region” and suggested the meeting could mark “a turning point” for both bilateral ties and regional peace.

“A Constructive and Historic Meeting”

Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani described the talks as “constructive” in a post on social media, noting that the meeting followed “months of intensive preparation.”

The unity, reconstruction, and future development of Syria were at the heart of the discussion. The Syrian people deserve a better future.

Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa later announced that Syria had signed a declaration of political cooperation with the international coalition against ISIS, signaling a new level of diplomatic engagement.

U.S. Eases Caesar Act Sanctions

Following the meeting, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a 180-day partial suspension of sanctions imposed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. The decision was presented as part of Washington’s “commitment to reassessing its approach toward Syria.”

The suspension excludes any transactions involving Russia or Iran, and their associated goods, technologies, or financial transfers. Analysts see the move as a potential opening for limited economic cooperation and humanitarian reconstruction efforts in Syria.

A New Phase in U.S.-Syria Relations?

President Trump’s remarks that “Syria can be successful” are being interpreted as a sign of cautious rapprochement between Washington and Damascus. Political observers note that the meeting could reshape not only U.S.-Syria relations but also broader regional dynamics in the Middle East.