Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The White House announced on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump will briefly meet with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

A U.S. official said that “the president has agreed to greet the Syrian president while in Saudi Arabia tomorrow.”

The meeting comes as al-Sharaa seeks the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria.

After his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump said the United States would lift sanctions on Syria.

Washington has previously stated that Syria must take additional steps before sanctions can be removed, including actions to safeguard minority rights.

Al-Sharaa assumed the Syrian presidency after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December, ending a 13-year civil war.

On Tuesday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks with Trump at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they co-chaired the Saudi-U.S. Summit. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and efforts to enhance the strategic partnership across various sectors.

The summit also addressed regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to promote security and stability.

Trump was welcomed with an official ceremony, including a horse escort and the playing of national anthems of both countries.