Key Points

US President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The meeting followed Trump's announcement lifting sanctions on Syria, aiming to foster greater ties and stability in the region. Turkey's President Erdogan participated in discussions via phone, underscoring the diplomatic efforts across borders. The event highlights a significant step in Middle Eastern diplomacy, with hopes of a peaceful and prosperous future.

Key Points: Trump and Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa Meet with Saudi Crown Prince

  • Trump lifts sanctions on Syria during Riyadh visit
  • Ahmed al-Sharaa joins Riyadh talks with Trump and Saudi Crown Prince
  • US and Saudi leaders discuss Middle East future
  • Turkish President Erdogan involved via phone
3 min read

Trump meets Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh

Trump meets Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, lifting sanctions on Syria.

"I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria, in order to give them a chance at greatness. - Donald Trump"

Riyadh, May 14

US President Donald Trump met Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the presence of Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh on Wednesday.

"HRH the Crown Prince holds a meeting with the US President and the Syrian President," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia posted on X along with photographs of the meeting between the three leaders.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials were also present during the meeting.

"A meeting brings together HRH the Crown Prince, the US President, and the Syrian President in Riyadh, with the Turkish President participating via phone," it said in another post.

The meeting came after Trump on Tuesday evening announced that the United States was lifting sanctions on Syria.

"After discussing the situation in Syria with the Crown Prince and also with President Erdogan of Turkey... among others in the Middle East, I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria, in order to give them a chance at greatness," Trump said during his address in Riyadh where he outlined his vision for the future of the Middle East.

Earlier this month, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda Commander, had called on French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, as he continued Damascus' diplomatic outreach under his leadership.

Sharaa headed the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which spearheaded the toppling of the government headed by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as he began a four-day visit to the Middle East which would also take him to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As he reached Riyadh, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, welcomed Trump at the King Khalid International Airport. Trump was greeted with a 21-gun salute and trumpet fanfare upon his arrival. The Crown Prince and US President then engaged in cordial talks over Saudi coffee at the airport's VIP lounge.

Later, the Crown Prince received President Trump at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

"Before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past, and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos; where it exports technology, not terrorism; and where people of different nations, religions, and creeds are building cities together -- not bombing each other out of existence," the US President said in his address in Riyadh on Tuesday evening.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Interesting development! While Syria is far from our borders, any stability in Middle East is good for India's energy security and diaspora. But lifting sanctions on former Al Qaeda leader? America's foreign policy U-turns never cease to surprise. 🤔
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Priya M.
The optics of this meeting are concerning. First they demonized Assad, now embracing his opponents. As an Indian watching from afar, I hope our government maintains consistent foreign policy unlike these flip-flops. Stability matters more than temporary alliances.
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Amit S.
Trump's "commerce not chaos" vision sounds good but actions speak louder. India has maintained balanced relations in Gulf region through thick and thin. That's why 9 million Indians work there safely. Hope this meeting brings real peace, not just photo ops.
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Sunita R.
The real story is Turkey's involvement via phone. Erdogan plays both sides so well! India should learn from how Saudi is positioning itself as regional peacemaker. Our neighborhood needs this kind of diplomacy too - maybe for Nepal/Bangladesh issues?
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Vikram J.
Coffee diplomacy at airport lounge! 😄 Reminds me of our PM's famous tea breaks during tense moments. On serious note, hope this leads to actual peace so our hardworking diaspora in Gulf can focus on work without tension. Their remittances help our economy so much.
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Neha P.
Mixed feelings about this. While peace is welcome, legitimizing former extremists sets dangerous precedent. India faces similar challenges in our neighborhood. Hope our leaders maintain principled stand against terrorism in all forms, no matter the political convenience.

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