Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa arrived in New York on Sunday, marking a historic visit to the United Nations General Assembly. He is the first Syrian leader to attend the global forum since 1967, signaling a major shift in Syria's diplomatic engagement after decades of isolation.
Al-Sharaa's presence comes in the wake of Bashar Assad's fall, ending nearly 14 years of devastating civil conflict. His leadership emphasizes reconstruction, national reconciliation, and rebuilding Syria's relations with the international community.
Since taking office, Al-Sharaa has prioritized restoring ties with Arab nations and Western powers. Despite concerns over his prior leadership in the former rebel group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, previously labeled a terrorist organization by the US, he has pursued diplomacy to secure Syria's regional and global standing.
One of his key objectives at the Assembly is to seek relief from international sanctions, which have severely impacted Syria's economy. Al-Sharaa also aims to open dialogue with Israel regarding security arrangements, highlighting his commitment to regional stability.
Domestically, Al-Sharaa is preparing for parliamentary elections on October 5. Two-thirds of parliamentary seats will be determined through an electoral college system, while one-third will be appointed directly, reflecting a hybrid political approach.
His international outreach has included meetings with major world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who lifted certain sanctions, and French President Emmanuel Macron. These interactions underscore Syria's efforts to regain trust and cooperation on global platforms.
Al-Sharaa's visit symbolizes Syria's gradual return to international diplomacy and its attempts to balance domestic reforms with regional engagement. Observers view his participation in the UN General Assembly as a potential turning point for Syria's long-term recovery and reintegration into global affairs.
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