Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], May 14 (ANI): US President Donald Trump convened a high-profile meeting in Riyadh with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting, focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, also saw the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via phone.
During the talks, President Trump urged Syria to join the Abraham Accords with Israel, highlighting the potential for peace and regional stability. He also pressed President Al-Sharaa to expel foreign terrorists from Syria, deport Palestinian militants, and collaborate with the United States in preventing an ISIS resurgence. Additionally, Trump encouraged Syria to take full responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria.
Turkish President Erdogan praised Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria, calling it a step toward fostering peace, and committed to working with Saudi Arabia to support stability in the region. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed similar sentiments, lauding Trump’s “courageous” decision to remove the sanctions.
On social media platform X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting and shared that Trump expressed his gratitude to both Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their commitment to peace. Trump also conveyed to President Al-Sharaa that Syria has a “tremendous opportunity” to pursue historic progress for its people.
President Al-Sharaa expressed his appreciation for the meeting and the diplomatic efforts involved, acknowledging the importance of stabilizing Syria post-Iranian military withdrawal. He emphasized Syria’s role as a critical trade link between the East and the West and invited American companies to invest in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
During the talks, President Al-Sharaa reiterated Syria’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, which established a ceasefire and a buffer zone monitored by UN peacekeeping forces.
President Trump’s Gulf tour, which includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, marks his second major international trip since retaking office. (ANI)
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