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The UN Security Council gave the green light to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his Washington trip the following week.

Sharaa was named transitional president following his leadership in a rebel offensive that removed the previous leader in winter 2024, concluding 13 years of internal conflict.

America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a powerful diplomatic message" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under UN sanctions as the leader of the religious organization HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation to Washington and to friendly nations for backing the country and its population."

Imminent Washington Talks

President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday comes after American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the region.

Subsequent to that discussion, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history".

His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Previous US Visit

This week's diplomatic engagement is not Sharaa's first trip to America in the current year. This past fall, he became the first Syrian leader to present to the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" and expressed solidarity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• President Sharaa presents to international community on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations