In Riyadh, President Trump encouraged Syrian President Ahmed Alshara to consider signing the Abraham agreement during an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday. This meeting came just one day after he lifted all sanctions affecting the region.
The two leaders met informally while attending the Gulf Cooperation Council gathering, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated the discussion.
As it stands, Syria does not recognize Israel, and Trump’s inquiries about the Abraham agreement were part of broader efforts to normalize diplomatic relations.
Trump also urged Syrian officials to ensure the departure of foreign terrorists from their country, expel any Palestinian militants, and hold the U.S. accountable for its management of ISIS detention centers in northeastern Syria.
The lifting of sanctions was met with enthusiastic applause from Saudi business leaders at an investment forum held the previous day.
“I felt very strongly that this would give them a chance,” Trump remarked regarding his decision at the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, expressing hope for a significant opportunity. “It was my honor to do so.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that there is an ongoing effort to achieve normalization with the newly established Syrian government.
