Trump secures $1.2 trillion aviation, defence commitment in Qatar: WH
US President Donald Trump met interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for Syria as it struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.
The meeting, on the sidelines of Trump’s get-together with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year, iron-gripped rule of the Assad family.
Trump praised al-Sharaa to reporters after the meeting on Air Force One, saying he was a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.”
Under the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa had ties to al-Qaida and joined insurgents battling US forces in Iraq before entering the Syrian war He was even imprisoned by US troops there for several years.
Trump had announced the day before as he kicked off his three-nation West Asia tour in Riyadh that he would also move to lift US sanctions imposed on Syria under the deposed autocrat Bashar Assad. People across Syria cheered in the streets and set off fireworks on Tuesday night to celebrate, hopeful their nation — locked out of credit cards and global finance — might rejoin the world’s economy when they need investments the most.
Trump urged al-Sharaa to normalise ties with longtime foe Israel.
Later in the day, Qatar signed a $96 bn deal to purchase upto 210 jets from US manufacturer Boeing for Qatar’s flag-carrier.
The agreements would “generate an economic exchange worth $1.2 trillion,” the White House said.
The agreements also include a statement of intent that could lead to $38 billion in investments at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and other defence capabilities.
Iran must cease support of proxies: US
President Donald Trump told Gulf leaders on Wednesday he urgently wants “to make a deal” with Iran to wind down its nuclear programme but Tehran must end its support of proxy groups throughout the region as part of any potential agreement. Iran “must stop sponsoring terror and verifiably cease pursuit of nuclear weapons", Trump said in remarks at a meeting of leaders from the GCC.
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