Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani has announced that President Ahmad Al-Shara will make an official visit to Washington, D.C., during November. This marks a historic first for Syrian leaders, as no previous Syrian president has officially visited the White House.
During a press conference held on Sunday, Al-Shaybani stated, “Syria will not become a center for polarization; instead, we are following a path that includes everyone.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to “promoting civil peace and making the law the foundation of relationships among all components of the Syrian populace.”
The minister expressed pride in the nation’s cultural and ethnic diversity, continuing to extend cooperation offers to allies and friends in the region. He added that despite facing significant challenges in recent times, Syria has remained resilient and steadfast in its pursuit of justice.
U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack confirmed on Saturday that Al-Shara is expected to visit Washington. A subsequent report from a White House official indicated that the Syrian president is likely to arrive around November 10th. Al-Shaybani highlighted that numerous topics will be discussed, including lifting sanctions and opening a new chapter in U.S.-Syrian relations, aiming for a strong partnership between the two nations.
According to the U.S. State Department, no previous Syrian president has made an official visit to Washington. Al-Shara addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. Since the opposition took power after the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad in December, Al-Shara has embarked on a series of international trips as the transitional government seeks to rebuild Syria’s relationships with global powers that had previously distanced themselves from Damascus during Assad’s rule.