On May 14, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump continued his Middle East tour with significant diplomatic and economic engagements in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, marking pivotal moments in U.S. foreign policy.
Historic Meeting with Syrian President Al-Sharaa
Before departing for Qatar, President Trump held a landmark meeting in Riyadh with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first face-to-face encounter between U.S. and Syrian leaders in nearly 25 years. Al-Sharaa, formerly associated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed group previously designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., rose to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The meeting, also attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (via phone), signaled a potential shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
During the discussions, President Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed during Assad’s regime, a move welcomed by the new Syrian government as a step toward economic recovery and stability. Trump emphasized the opportunity for Syria to “do something historic,” urging al-Sharaa to expel foreign and Palestinian militants and to normalize relations with Israel. In response, al-Sharaa expressed a shared interest in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons, while also encouraging U.S. investment in Syria’s petroleum sector.
Economic Engagements in Qatar
Upon arrival in Doha, President Trump became the first U.S. president to make an official state visit to Qatar. The visit culminated in the signing of a multibillion-dollar trade deal, including a $200 billion agreement for Qatar Airways to purchase 210 Boeing aircraft, marking the largest order in Boeing’s history. Additionally, the U.S. and Qatar signed defense agreements totaling over $38 billion, encompassing counter-drone capabilities and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The economic engagements underscore the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Gulf nations, with the deals expected to bolster economic cooperation and strategic partnerships in the region.
Conclusion
President Trump’s second day in the Middle East was marked by significant diplomatic and economic developments, including the historic meeting with Syria’s new leadership and substantial trade agreements with Qatar. These engagements reflect a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy and a deepening of economic ties with Gulf nations.
Source; Al Jazeera
