Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is heading to the United States for the first time, state media reported Sunday. The trip is considered historic, as he will address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Syrian president US visit has drawn international attention.
Sharaa came to power last December after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, ending over 14 years of civil war. His leadership marks Syria’s biggest political shift in decades. This visit will make him the first Syrian leader to speak at the UN since 1967, underscoring its symbolic importance.
Since taking power, Sharaa has met global leaders, including Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. Trump lifted most US sanctions on Syria earlier this year, calling it a courageous step. Sharaa praised the move, saying sanctions harmed ordinary Syrians. He argued that keeping them in place would amount to complicity in Syrian suffering.
Talks with Israel remain a major focus of Sharaa’s government. Officials confirmed direct negotiations with Israel, which remains technically at war with Syria. A breakthrough could lead to a demilitarised zone and Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas. These discussions highlight a potential turning point in regional politics.
Meanwhile, Syria prepares for a transitional parliament selection on October 5. Critics argue the system concentrates too much power in the president’s hands. Still, Sharaa insists the process will stabilise the country. The Syrian president US visit is now seen as part of a broader effort to project Syria’s new leadership onto the global stage.