US opens doors to Syrian president in historic first meeting since 1967
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (Photo: Getty Images)
For the first time since 1967, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has arrived in Washington for a historic visit that could impact Syria’s relations with the US and the region, according to the Clash Report.
On September 21, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Washington for an official visit, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the US in nearly six decades.
Experts believe this visit could send an important signal regarding future relations between Syria and the US and may also influence the situation in the Middle East. It remains unclear whether al-Sharaa will hold personal talks with US President Donald Trump.
The last contact between US and Syrian officials occurred 58 years ago, before the start of the long-standing diplomatic isolation between the two countries.
For decades, the US supported the Syrian opposition, while Syria maintained alliances with Iran and Russia, leaving Washington-Damascus relations tense for an extended period.
According to official information, the visit will last five days.
During the trip, the Syrian president will participate in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he plans to deliver a speech. He will also meet with a number of international partners, although it is still unknown whether direct talks with President Trump will be scheduled.
Geopolitical significance of the visit
Diplomats from both countries note that this visit could be a landmark for Syrian-American relations. Al-Sharaa’s presence in Washington is seen as a signal of Damascus’s willingness to engage in cautious dialogue, although open rapprochement is not yet expected.
At the same time, the Syrian president’s participation in the UN General Assembly may indicate the country’s desire to break out of diplomatic isolation and seek new international support. It could also signal to Iran and Russia that Syria seeks to reduce its dependence on its allies.
For al-Sharaa himself, the visit is an opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Syria is returning to international politics not only through military conflicts but also through diplomatic efforts. Even symbolic outcomes from the talks would represent a step toward restoring Damascus’s agency on the global stage.
Syria has set a date for the first elections since the overthrow of Assad. Based on the results of the electoral colleges, 140 deputies are expected to be elected, while an additional 70 deputies will be appointed for the transitional period by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Additionally, at the end of June, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions against Syria, which had been in effect since 2004.
