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

He became interim leader after leading an insurgent campaign that drove out the former president in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of domestic strife.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of global extremist entities in July.

More Penalties Removed

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on penalties against the Syrian interior official the interior minister.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the sanctions, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and allied countries for their support the Syrian nation and citizens."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week comes after American leader Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to Arab nations.

After that meeting, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until he severed ties back in 2016.

Previous US Visit

Monday's visit will not be his initial visit to the United States in the current year. In September, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly in New York for nearly six decades.

In his speech, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• President Sharaa presents to international community on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• Trump's meeting with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, enhances Syrian aspirations