The United Nations Security Council voted to lift sanctions imposed on Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Hattab under a US-sponsored resolution. The measure was adopted with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China.

The vote came ahead of al-Shara’s upcoming visit to the White House — the first by a Syrian head of state since the country gained independence in 1946.

US Signals a “New Era” for Syria

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said after the vote, “With the adoption of this text, the Council is sending a strong political message that Syria has entered a new era following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and his cronies in December 2024.”

Waltz added that the decision represents not only a diplomatic milestone but also “a new chapter for counterterrorism and regional stability.” US officials had been pushing to secure the vote before U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara at the White House on Monday.

Damascus Welcomes Decision as “Diplomatic Victory”

The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the vote, saying the near-unanimous support “reflects growing confidence in Syrian President al-Shara’s leadership” and represents “a victory for Syrian diplomacy, reaffirming Syria’s regional importance and international standing.”

Damascus described the move as a clear sign that Syria is emerging from years of political isolation.

China Criticizes US Motives

China, however, voiced skepticism over Washington’s intentions. Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong said Beijing supports the Syrian people but argued that the proposal “fails to adequately address all parties’ legitimate concerns regarding counterterrorism and security.”

“The sponsor did not fully take into account the views of all members and pushed the Council to act in service of its own political agenda,” Fu added.

Syria Expected to Join Anti-ISIS Coalition

During Syrian President al-Shara’s visit to Washington, Syria is expected to join the US-led coalition of nearly 80 countries working to prevent a resurgence of the militant group ISIS. Analysts say the move would mark a turning point for Syria’s reintegration into the international system and strengthen its legitimacy on the global stage.