‘Great’: Trump hails first meeting with Syria’s President al-Sharaa

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described his first meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa as “great,” praising the leader’s potential in remarks aboard Air Force One.

“Young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter,” Trump told reporters. “He’s got a real shot at holding it together.”

The meeting, held in Saudi capital city Riyadh and attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via phone.

“I spoke with President Erdogan, who is very friendly with him. He feels he’s got a shot of doing a good job. It’s a torn-up country,” Trump said.

The US president added that he encouraged Syria to join the Abraham Accords once it resolves internal challenges. “I told him: ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out.’"

The Abraham Accords are controversial pacts signed during Trump's first term to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab nations in the region.

Trump on Wednesday announced that the US would lift sanctions on Syria, signaling a shift aimed at promoting a “fresh start” for the war-torn country.