President Trump declared on Tuesday the lifting of sanctions on Syria during his initial address of a four-day visit to the Middle East, following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This decision, made public at an investment forum in Riyadh, has elicited enthusiastic applause from attendees, including prominent business leaders and members of the Saudi royal family.
Mr. Trump noted, “There is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” referring to a rebel coalition that has taken charge in Syria since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The president’s planned meeting with the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara is anticipated to facilitate international aid and investments aimed at rebuilding a nation grappling with the aftermath of a 13-year civil war.
The announcement regarding sanctions came as a surprise, marking an impactful moment at the beginning of Mr. Trump’s significant international trip focused on forging business partnerships across the region. He asserted the necessity of investments as a vehicle for stability, aiming for deals that might exceed $1 trillion, including multibillion-dollar arms agreements, investments in sectors like artificial intelligence, and energy production.
During his speech, Mr. Trump praised Saudi Arabia’s rapid development while criticizing the Biden administration’s approach to the region. He also expressed hopes for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, a proposal met with silence from the crowd, reflecting the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly concerning the Palestinian situation.
Accompanied by top administration officials and business figures such as Elon Musk and executives from major corporations, Mr. Trump’s visit to Riyadh featured ceremonial honors, signifying the strong ties maintained between his administration and the Saudi leadership. His favorable relationship with the kingdom stands in contrast to the more strained interactions with the Biden administration.
Additionally, the trip aligns with significant financial undertakings involving the Trump family and prospective gifts from foreign governments, including a luxury aircraft from Qatar. This multifaceted diplomatic engagement underscores the intersection of foreign policy, business interests, and regional stability, suggesting a potential for transformative discussions in the Middle East.
Overall, with such engagements, not only could Syria witness a path toward recovery, but the Middle East may also see a shift towards fruitful negotiations that benefit multiple stakeholders.