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The UN Security Council voted in favour to an American proposal ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his Washington trip the coming week.

He became transitional president following his leadership in an insurgent campaign that removed Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, concluding over a decade of internal conflict.

The US representative UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the religious organization the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to the extremist organization. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of global extremist entities in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to Washington and supportive states for backing of Syria and its people."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week follows US President Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

The pair met on their first occasion this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of the region.

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

His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country until he severed ties during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US this year. This past fall, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to present to the UN General Assembly in New York after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader presents to international community initially after nearly six decades
• Trump's meeting with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations