Riyadh: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump, the Syrian presidency stated. Al-Sharaa's visit comes as part of diplomatic efforts to discuss the future of Syria following the significant political shifts in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump had agreed to meet with al-Sharaa during his visit to Saudi Arabia. The meeting is expected to address the removal of US sanctions on Syria, which Trump announced during the 2025 Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. He emphasized that lifting the "brutal and crippling" sanctions would provide Syria with "a chance at greatness."

Trump's arrival in Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a Gulf tour that includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This tour is his first major international trip since taking office. The discussions with al-Sharaa are likely to center on the new transitional administration in Syria, which was formed in January after the fall of the Assad regime.

The Syrian government is seeking comprehensive international and regional support to aid in the country's recovery from the legacy of former President Bashar al-Assad. The transitional government has pointed out that existing US and EU sanctions pose significant challenges to reconstruction efforts. Although some sanctions on specific sectors have previously been eased, a comprehensive rollback has not occurred since 2011.

Bashar al-Assad, who governed Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December. His departure marked the end of the Baath Party's long-standing control over Syria, which began in 1963. The political changes in Syria have opened new channels for international dialogue and potential cooperation with Western powers.