Trump Praises Ahmed al-Sharaa: He Has a Strong Past, He's a Fighter

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia and stated that "the normalization of relations with Syria began with the meeting with Sara."

It was reported that Trump met with Ahmed al-Sharaa before heading to Qatar, the second stop on his Middle East visit.

The French news agency AFP, citing a U.S. official, reported that Trump and Sara had a discussion. The Washington Post also stated that Trump met with Sara in Riyadh.

Anadolu Agency mentioned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an online meeting with President Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syrian President Sara.

Trump: We Are Lifting Sanctions to Give Syria a New Opportunity

Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman, who attended the quadrilateral summit in Riyadh, expressed appreciation for Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

In his speech, Trump said, "We are looking into normalizing relations with the new administration in Syria," and noted that they lifted sanctions "to give Syria a new beginning opportunity."

While speaking at the opening of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, Trump added that the normalization of relations with Syria started with the meeting with President Sara. He also urged Sara to take responsibility for DAESH detention centers.

Trump shared that he met with President Sara before the GCC summit, stating, "After my discussions with Mohammed bin Salman and President Erdoğan, we are lifting all sanctions on Syria to allow them to make a fresh start. This will give them a chance for a new beginning. These sanctions were very strong and destructive. I talked to Mohammed and my friend in Turkey (Erdogan), and we felt strongly that this would give them a chance. It was an honor for me."

"Trump Said 'Hello' to Sara"

Previously, the WP reported that Trump and Sara were scheduled to have a face-to-face meeting today. According to reports, the White House confirmed that President Trump had agreed to "say hello" to Sara before concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia and heading to Qatar.

According to the report, President Trump was set to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to the GCC meeting in Riyadh. He mentioned that he agreed to the meeting after being encouraged by President Erdoğan and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

After a brief meeting with Sara, Trump will attend the summit of the GCC, consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before proceeding to Qatar, the second leg of his Middle East tour.

Trump: "He's Young, Handsome, Tough, and Has a Strong Past"

One of the notable details was President Trump referring to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as "young, handsome, tough, and has a strong past. A very strong past. He is a fighter."