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United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to a US resolution to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his White House visit the following week.

He became provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that drove out Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of internal conflict.

America's diplomat Mike Waltz at the United Nations stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a different period" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions as the leader of the Muslim faction HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. America delisted the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations this past July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.

The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and supportive states for backing the country and its population."

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" in establishing peace to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions initially this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of Arab nations.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country until he severed ties in 2016.

Previous US Visit

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The high-level talks with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations