Trump Hails Syrian President Jolani: ‘Charming, Young, Tough Guy, Fighter’

In new remarks made to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Doha, President Trump commented on his meeting with the interim president of Syria, Ahmad al-Sarā (Jolani), in Riyadh on Wednesday (14.05.2025). Trump noted that their brief morning encounter in Saudi Arabia went “very well,” describing the Syrian leader as a “young, charming type. A tough guy. With an intense past. Very intense past. A fighter.” According to BBC, Trump added: “He has real potential to succeed. I also spoke with President Erdogan, who is very friendly with him. He believes he can do good work. It’s a fractured country.” Trump expressed confidence that Syria would eventually join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, one of the key directives given during their meeting. Al-Sarā, known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, responded positively when asked about possible inclusion in the agreement, according to Trump, who emphasized: “I think they need to get things in order first.” “I told him: ‘I hope you will participate once everything is settled.’ He replied: ‘Yes.’ But they have a long road ahead.” The Saudi Arabian prince Mohammed bin Salman was present, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated via phone call, according to reports. Follow-up meetings between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Syrian Foreign Minister are expected. This historic meeting culminated months of diplomatic efforts by Syria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia allies, aiming to end international isolation. It followed the lifting of sanctions against Syria announced by Donald Trump on Tuesday (13.05.2025) during a business forum in Riyadh, influenced by pressure from Saudi Arabia and discussions with Erdogan. This marks the first meeting between leaders of the U.S. and Syria in 25 years.