Sharaa to become first Syrian leader to address UN since 1967

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa will take part in the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, becoming the first Syrian leader to do so since 1967, the Syrian official SANA news agency reported on Sunday.

Sharaa will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s new permanent representative to the UN Ibrahim Olabi, and a high-level diplomatic delegation.

Al-Sharaa is also expected to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 80th General Assembly session, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at New York’s "Turkish House".

Syrian sources described the visit as a "historic turning point" in Syria’s relations with the US and other countries, pointing to intensive Saudi and Turkish diplomatic efforts to back Sharaa’s government at the UN.

Diplomatic sources told Independent Arabia that the US decision to issue visas to Sharaa and his delegation was made after weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions involving American, Turkish and Saudi officials.

The visit is scheduled to run from 21 to 25 September, with the Syrian president set to address the UN General Assembly on the 24th of the month.

The Associated Press reported last week that an internal US State Department memorandum confirmed an exemption for the Syrian delegation from longstanding restrictions on Syrian officials.

US sanctions and travel bans have been in place for more than a decade, but were lifted in this instance as part of what officials described as an American effort to strengthen relations following the overthrow of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Some Syrian opposition activists have criticised the visit, describing it as a premature reward for a government they argue has not yet consolidated political and social reforms.

However, Arab and Turkish diplomats quoted by regional media outlets said the visit is necessary to secure Syria’s reintegration into international institutions and to build momentum for further dialogue.

According to the UN, the high-level week of the General Assembly, which will be attended by heads of government from around the world, will run from 22 to 26 September under the theme: “Working Together for Better Results: Eighty Years and Beyond for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”

World leaders are expected to focus on global challenges including war, climate change, development and human rights, with all sessions broadcast on UN Web TV.

Sharaa’s participation will mark Syria’s highest-profile appearance on the international stage in decades, with observers viewing the visit as both symbolically and politically significant.