Donald Trump in Qatar after meeting Syria’s al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia

Doha (Web Desk): In a move marking a rare diplomatic engagement, US President Donald Trump landed in Doha, the capital of Qatar, for high-level discussions with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This marks the first time in over two decades that a sitting American president has visited the Gulf nation. Talks are expected to cover a range of pressing topics, including regional stability, energy partnerships, defense cooperation, and investment opportunities.

Earlier in the day, President Trump addressed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh, emphasizing America’s enduring alliance with Gulf states and highlighting shared interests in security and economic growth. The address underscored Washington’s long-term commitment to maintaining stability across the region.

In an unexpected development, Trump also held a closed-door meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Riyadh summit, shortly after announcing the revocation of longstanding U.S. sanctions against Syria. Photographs aired by Saudi state media captured the moment the two leaders shook hands, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman present.

According to a White House spokesperson, Trump used the meeting as an opportunity to encourage Syria to restore diplomatic ties with Israel, marking what could be a significant shift in Middle East geopolitics.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also participated in the summit via video link, joining Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a portion of the session, as reported by Anadolu Agency. Crown Prince Mohammed welcomed Trump's move to lift sanctions on Syria, describing it as a "constructive step toward rebuilding a unified Syrian state."

The diplomatic boost comes at a critical moment for Sharaa, who has been attempting to stabilize Syria under central government control following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad last December.

President Trump is on a multi-nation tour of the Gulf, which includes scheduled visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

His trip has already seen major economic agreements, including a commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest $600 billion into US infrastructure and private sectors, alongside an arms deal worth $142 billion.