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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a US resolution to lift sanctions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his presidential meeting the following week.

He became transitional president after leading a rebel offensive that drove out Bashar al-Assad in winter 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a powerful diplomatic message" that acknowledged Syria entered "a different period" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced United Nations restrictions while commanding the Muslim faction the HTS movement, once connected to al-Qaeda. The US removed the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations during July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister.

The nation's top diplomat expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and to friendly nations for backing of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" working toward stability to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened on their first occasion this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, Trump portrayed him as a "resilient figure" possessing a "powerful background".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria before he cut connections during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting is not the president's debut journey to the United States this year. During September, he emerged as the initial Syrian president to present to the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

During his address, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status within the global community" and demonstrated unity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• President Sharaa addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The high-level talks with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, boosts Syrians' hopes