Sharaa to become first Syrian leader to attend UN meetings since 1967
Sharaa – a former al Qaeda leader who once had a $10 million bounty on his head – scored a major diplomatic victory in May when he won recognition from US President Donald Trump at a meeting in Riyadh
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa waves as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in New York to attend meetings of the UN General Assembly, the first participation of a Syrian president since 1967, the state news agency reported early on Monday.
Sharaa – a former al Qaeda leader who once had a $10 million bounty on his head – scored a major diplomatic victory in May when he won recognition from US President Donald Trump at a meeting in Riyadh.
The US subsequently lifted most sanctions on Syria and the Trump administration has voiced its support for Sharaa's efforts to unify and stabilize the country.
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Sharaa is expected to deliver his first address at the General Assembly, which opens its 80th session on Tuesday.
