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Security Council representatives voted in favour to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit the coming week.

He was appointed interim leader subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed the former president in December 2024, concluding thirteen long years of domestic strife.

America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions as the leader of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The US removed the organization from the catalog of global extremist entities in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of these restrictions, stating online: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and to friendly nations for their support the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit at the start of the week follows American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

The pair met initially during May, when Trump visited Riyadh on a tour of the region.

After that meeting, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" possessing a "powerful background".

His Islamist group HTS operated as the terrorist network's partner in Syria prior to breaking relations in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting is not Sharaa's first trip to America during this period. During September, he became the initial Syrian president to address the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader presents to international community on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations