Summary: U.S. President Donald Trump will welcome Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa to the White House on Friday, November 10, 2025, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington. Talks are expected to focus on sanctions relief, reconstruction, counter-terrorism, and Syria’s reintegration into the international community.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is set to host Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the White House on Friday in what officials describe as a historic diplomatic breakthrough. The meeting will be the first time a Syrian leader has visited the U.S. capital since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 80 years ago.
Agenda and Priorities
According to U.S. and Syrian officials, the discussions will center on:
- Sanctions relief: Damascus is seeking the easing of U.S. and international sanctions that have crippled its economy.
- Reconstruction: With Syria emerging from more than a decade of conflict, rebuilding infrastructure and attracting foreign investment will be a key priority.
- Counter-terrorism: Both sides are expected to discuss cooperation against remnants of the Islamic State and other extremist groups.
- Regional stability: Broader Middle East dynamics, including Syria’s relations with neighboring states and its role in regional security, will also feature prominently.
Diplomatic Significance
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani described the visit as “a historic opportunity to open a new chapter” between Damascus and Washington. The White House has framed the talks as part of a broader effort to re-engage diplomatically in the Middle East, while testing Syria’s willingness to commit to political reforms and international norms.
The meeting follows Trump and al‑Sharaa’s first encounter in Saudi Arabia in May 2025, which marked the highest-level contact between the two nations in a quarter century. Analysts say Friday’s summit could signal a turning point in Syria’s decades-long international isolation.
Outlook
While expectations for immediate breakthroughs remain cautious, the symbolism of the visit is significant. For Syria, it represents a chance to re-establish ties with Washington and attract investment for reconstruction. For the U.S., it offers an opportunity to influence Syria’s trajectory at a critical juncture, balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns.
In short: Friday’s White House meeting between Trump and al‑Sharaa is a historic first, with talks set to cover sanctions, reconstruction, and counter-terrorism. The outcome could reshape U.S.–Syria relations after decades of estrangement.
Sources: Channel News Asia; Al Jazeera; PBS; CBS News CNA Aljazeera CBS News Mathrubhumi English.
