Sharaa meets Syrian community in US at start of UN visit

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met members of the Syrian community in the US on Tuesday at the start of his visit to New York to participate in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, according to the presidency.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh and several other officials.

During the meeting, Sharaa reviewed the latest developments in Syria, achievements made during the previous period, and the country’s reconstruction and recovery process. He also listened to comments and proposals from participants on a range of issues.

Sharaa stressed the important role played by the Syrian community in the US in strengthening and advancing relations between Damascus and Washington.

He also highlighted the importance of benefiting from the expertise and skills of Syrians living abroad and their contribution to Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

The meeting came as Sharaa began his visit to New York on Monday to take part in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

​​​​​​​This marks Sharaa’s second consecutive participation in the UN General Assembly. In September 2025, he attended the 80th session and became the first Syrian president to participate in the gathering since 1967.