Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa sat down for an exclusive conversation with Fox News following his unprecedented meeting with President Donald Trump, reflecting on what he called a “new chapter” in Syria’s ties with Washington and the broader Middle East.
“This is the first time a Syrian president visits the White House since the establishment of Syria in the 40s of the last century,” al-Sharaa told the network, emphasizing the symbolic nature of his trip. “After the fall of the former regime, Syria has entered into a new era. And this will build on a new strategy with the United States.”
Al-Sharaa described his talks with Trump as “open and forward-looking,” saying they focused on rebuilding relations and mutual interests after decades of hostility. He revealed that economic collaboration and regional stability were at the forefront of the discussions, setting the tone for what he called “a fresh partnership built on trust.”
When pressed about whether Damascus would formally align with the U.S.-led coalition targeting the Islamic State, the Syrian leader highlighted his country’s past sacrifices. “We participated in so many battles against ISIS for 10 years… I have lost much of my forces in the battles against ISIS. The US presence in Syria must now be coordinated with the Syrian government,” he said.
Asked about his own controversial past and previous Western accusations linking him to Al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa brushed aside the question, insisting that the focus should remain on what lies ahead. “We talked about the future, the present and the past. We talked about lifting the sanctions… There was a decision at the United Nations to lift the sanctions on myself and other people,” he explained.
The Syrian president went on to frame his government as a future partner in economic reconstruction and energy development. “We did not discuss [Al-Qaeda] actively. We talked about investment opportunities… Syria is no longer looked at as a security threat. It is now looked at as a geopolitical ally… especially extracting gas,” he remarked.
On the question of whether Syria might join the Abraham Accords, al-Sharaa expressed caution while leaving the door open to progress under Trump’s mediation. “Syria has borders with Israel, and Israel occupies the Golan Heights since 1967. We are not going to enter into a negotiation directly right now. Maybe the United States administration, with President Trump, will help us reach this kind of negotiation,” he said.
Turning to the fate of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who was removed from power during the country’s civil conflict, al-Sharaa said accountability would be key to Syria’s recovery. “Justice must prevail… We have established a justice commission… so that everyone can be held accountable for what they did, including Bashar Al-Assad,” he declared.
Finally, addressing a matter of deep concern in the United States, al-Sharaa said he has personally taken steps to provide answers in the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice. “I have met with the mother of Tice… I’m going to do everything in my power so that she can have important and enough information about her son,” he said, underscoring what he described as a humanitarian commitment amid Syria’s shifting role on the world stage.
{Matzav.com}
