Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has hailed the United States President , Donald Trump on his decision to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, describing it as a turning point for the country’s future.
He said Wednesday in a nationwide televised address to the nation said, “the road ahead is still long. But today marks the beginning of serious work, and with it, the rise of modern Syria”
Al- Sharaa described Trump’s move as a “courageous decision that laid the foundations for regional stability.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for regional allies, notably Türkiye.
“President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stood by the Syrian people, and his country has shouldered a great deal over the past 14 years,” he said.
In a message to the international business community, Al-Sharaa extended an open invitation, saying: “We welcome all investors — from our fellow citizens at home and abroad, as well as from our Arab brothers, Turkish partners, and friends around the world — and we invite them to take advantage of the available opportunities across various sectors.”
He rejected any attempts to divide the country.
“We will neither allow the division of Syria, nor will we give space to the former regime’s narratives aimed at fragmenting our people,” he said.
Al-Sharaa stressed that “Syria belongs to all Syrians of all sects and ethnicities, and to everyone living on this blessed land. Coexistence is our historical legacy.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Yemen and Iraq for their support of Syria.
Additionally, he conveyed his appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron as well as to Germany, Spain and Italy for expressing their support and thanked the UK for lifting its sanctions on Syria.
On Tuesday, Trump said at the 2025 Saudi-US Investment Forum in the capital Riyadh that he would order the removal of “brutal and crippling” US sanctions on Syria to give that country “a chance at greatness.”
He said he made the decision after his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump held his first meeting with Al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, with bin Salman in attendance and Erdogan participating via phone.
The American president described the meeting as “great” and praised al-Sharaa as a “tough guy” with a “strong past.”
Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.
Recall that Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a period in late January.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama