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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa before his presidential meeting next week.

Sharaa was named interim leader subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in the final month of 2024, concluding 13 years of internal conflict.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that recognised Syria was in "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the religious organization HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations this past July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "The nation shows its gratitude to the United States and allied countries for assisting of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week comes after President Trump remarked that Sharaa demonstrated "substantial headway" in establishing peace to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened for the first time in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip on a tour of the Middle East.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria prior to breaking relations in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent his initial visit to America this year. In September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades.

Throughout his presentation, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and expressed solidarity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes