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Security Council representatives gave the green light to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his Washington trip next week.

He was appointed transitional president following his leadership in an insurgent campaign that drove out Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of internal conflict.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions in his role as head of the Muslim faction HTS, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The US removed HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations this past July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and supportive states for their support the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader achieved "significant advancement" working toward stability to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions initially in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through Arab nations.

Following that encounter, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" possessing a "powerful background".

His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria prior to breaking relations during 2016.

Earlier American Trip

Monday's visit is not Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. During September, he became the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters in almost 60 years.

During his address, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and expressed solidarity toward Gaza's residents.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, enhances Syrian aspirations