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The UN Security Council approved to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his presidential meeting the following week.

He became interim leader following his leadership in a rebel offensive that removed the previous leader in December 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that recognised Syria was in "a fresh chapter" since Assad was deposed.

He had been subject to global penalties as the leader of the Islamist group the HTS movement, previously associated with the extremist organization. The US removed HTS from a list of foreign terror groups in July.

More Penalties Removed

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the sanctions, stating online: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and allied countries for their support of Syria and its people."

Imminent Washington Talks

Sharaa's White House visit at the start of the week comes after US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" working toward stability to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened initially during May, when Trump visited Riyadh on a tour of the region.

Following that encounter, Trump portrayed him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement is not Sharaa's first trip to America this year. During September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the United Nations gathering in New York after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader presents to international community initially after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes