Syria’s interim leader and Lebanon’s newly elected president have extended congratulatory messages to President Donald Trump, signaling aspirations for improved relations with the United States under his leadership.
Syria’s De Facto Leader Optimistic About Peace
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria’s interim government, expressed his hopes for collaboration with the U.S. in a statement released Monday.
“The past decade has brought immense suffering to Syria, with the conflict devastating our nation and destabilizing the region. We are confident that [Trump] is the leader to bring peace to the Middle East and restore stability to the region,” Al-Sharaa said, representing the New Administration of Syria.
Al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, rose to power after his group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), overthrew longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in December. His leadership marks a turning point in Syria’s tumultuous history. The United States, which had previously placed a $10 million bounty on Al-Sharaa, removed the reward following high-level discussions between U.S. officials and the former jihadist leader.
“We look forward to improving the relations between our two countries based on dialogue and understanding,” Al-Sharaa added, emphasizing a desire for mutual cooperation.
Lebanon’s New President Seeks Stronger Ties
In neighboring Lebanon, President Joseph Aou also expressed optimism about strengthening ties with the United States. Congratulating Trump, Aou highlighted the importance of bilateral relations and expressed hope that Trump’s leadership would foster greater cooperation.
A New Chapter in Middle East Diplomacy
The statements from Syria and Lebanon’s leaders underscore a broader desire for stability and diplomatic progress in a region long plagued by conflict. Both nations appear eager to engage with the U.S. in addressing regional challenges and rebuilding their war-torn societies.
As the Trump administration begins its term, these overtures could pave the way for renewed dialogue and partnerships in the Middle East.
