Syria’s Sharaa arrives in New York for UN General Assembly, 1st Syrian leader to attend since 1967

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to deliver his first address at the General Assembly, which opens its 80th session Tuesday.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa waves as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo on 27 May 2025. | File Photo | Khalil Ashawi | Reuters

Cairo: 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 U.S. President Donald Trump at a meeting in Riyadh.

The U.S. subsequently lifted most sanctions on Syria and the Trump administration has voiced its support for Sharaa’s efforts to unify and stabilize the country.

Sharaa is expected to deliver his first address at the General Assembly, which opens its 80th session on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Hatem Maher in CairoEditing by Matthew Lewis)

Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.