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United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his White House visit the coming week.

He became provisional head of state after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, concluding 13 years of internal conflict.

America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal.

Sharaa was under UN sanctions in his role as head of the Islamist group HTS, once connected to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and allied countries for their support of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit at the start of the week follows American leader Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa demonstrated "substantial headway" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time in May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the Middle East.

Subsequent to that discussion, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent the president's debut journey to the US in the current year. This past fall, he emerged as the initial Syrian president to address the global assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations