Sharaa Meets Syrian Diaspora in Washington Ahead of Historic White House Talks

Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Sunday met with members of the Syrian community in Washington, D.C., ahead of his landmark meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first between leaders of both nations in decades.

The meeting, held at the Syrian Embassy, was attended by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack. Discussions focused on strengthening the bond between Syrians abroad and their homeland, while exploring ways to reintegrate Syria into the global diplomatic fold.

According to a statement from Sharaa’s office, the president commended the diaspora for preserving their national identity and promoting a positive image of Syria abroad. He emphasized their role in rebuilding bridges between Syria and the international community after years of isolation.

Barrack, speaking on behalf of Washington, praised the Syrian diaspora’s efforts and reaffirmed America’s willingness to “support initiatives that facilitate Syria’s reintegration into regional and international frameworks.”

The Trump–Sharaa meeting, scheduled for Monday evening at the White House, is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and Syria’s economic reconstruction. It marks a significant diplomatic milestone, as it will be the first time a Syrian leader has been officially received in Washington since the onset of the Syrian civil war.

Since assuming office after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December last year, Sharaa has sought to rebuild Syria’s foreign relations and secure international recognition for his interim government. He previously met Trump in Riyadh in May a meeting widely seen as a breakthrough in Syria–U.S. relations.

During his current visit, Sharaa also held talks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who expressed readiness to support Syria’s economic recovery through technical assistance and institutional reforms.

The United Nations Security Council recently voted to lift long-standing sanctions on Sharaa and his interior minister, Anas Khattab, following U.S. support for the motion, a move analysts view as a sign of Washington’s renewed engagement with Damascus.

As Sharaa prepares for his White House visit, observers say the outcome could reshape the trajectory of Syria’s re-entry into the international arena and open the door to wider cooperation with Western powers.