Syrian minister thanks Trump for lifting sanctions as al-Sharaa gives UN speech

Syria's information minister thanked President Donald Trump for lifting sanctions as Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa made history by giving a speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

On Wednesday, al-Sharaa delivered a speech before the UN General Assembly, the first time in nearly 60 years that a Syrian leader has addressed the world body, Fox News reported.

Many Syrians who fled their country during the 14-year civil war gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York City in support of al-Sharaa.

Syria's information minister, Hamza Mustafa, joined the demonstration, telling Fox News that it was an emotional day.

"It’s a historical moment for all the Syrian people — after 14 years of conflict, after revolution, after a lot of sacrifice, now we are here representing the Syrian people," Mustafa said. "We are gathering with the Syrian people to say that we are all serious in our struggle for a united and sovereign Syria."

He also thanked the Trump administration for taking steps to ease sanctions, saying, "As a government, we say thank you to Mr. Trump for his courage in lifting sanctions on Syria."

Trump lifted sanctions against Syria in June.

Al-Sharaa called for the UN to lift the sanctions against his country, pledging to pursue "a new Syria built on unity, sovereignty, and peace with its neighbors." He said the civil war had brought "untold suffering" and emphasized that "Syrians deserve the right to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their country."