In a moment marking a historic renewal of diplomatic ties, US President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa to the White House, the first visit by a Syrian leader since 1946.
In this historic meeting between two presidents, experts marked this as a new phase in US-Syria relations as the two leaders discussed cooperation on regional stability and counter terrorism.
The meeting started with unexpected way of diplomatic engagement when President Trump personally presented his guest with a signature gift, his own Trump brand fragrance.
“This is men’s fragrance,” Trump said, as he sprayed $249/bottle ‘Trump Cologne’ on President Al Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani. Trump added, “It’s the best fragrance,” explaining that one bottle was “for Al Sharaa and one for his wife.”
In a moment of humour that drew laughter from both sides, Trump asked, “How many wives? One?” to which Sharaa replied affirmatively.
Trump went further on by saying, “With you guys, I never know!” In response Al Sharaa turned this question to Trump to which he replied “Right now, one”.
The light exchange was interpreted by observers as a sign of relaxed and friendly diplomacy instead of the ones where Trump publicly jolts his counterparts at the media interactions, Zelensky.
Sharaa, 43, arrived bearing replicas of ancient Syrian artifacts “the first alphabet in history, the first seal, a musical note, and the world’s first customs tariff”.
These artifacts signify Syria’s rich cultural heritage spanning hundreds of centuries.
During their talks, both leaders focused on Syria’s decision to join the coalition fighting ISIS and the country’s efforts to end decades of international isolation.
President Trump praised Sharaa as a “strong leader” and reaffirmed US support saying “We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful.”
Acknowledging the Syrian president’s complex past, Trump added, “We’ve all had rough pasts”.
The visit underscored a shift toward pragmatic engagement, with both sides signalling willingness to rebuild ties and collaborate against shared threats.
