Sharaa to become first Syrian leader to attend UN meetings since 1967

Ahmed al-Sharaa in Syria, 27 May, 2025
Reuters

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in New York to attend the UN General Assembly meetings, marking the first time a Syrian president has participated since 1967, according to the state news agency on Monday.

Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader who once had a $10 million bounty on his head, achieved a significant diplomatic breakthrough in May when he gained recognition from U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in Riyadh.

Following this, the U.S. lifted most sanctions on Syria, and the Trump administration expressed support for Sharaa’s efforts to unify and stabilise the country.

Sharaa is expected to deliver his inaugural address at the General Assembly, which begins its 80th session on Tuesday.

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