Syrian president arrives in New York for UN General Assembly For the first time since 1967

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has arrived in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly session.

He will become the first Syrian leader to address the UN podium in nearly six decades, since 1967, Al Arabiya reports.

The primary aim of al-Sharaa’s visit to the United States is to secure the full lifting of sanctions imposed during the Assad era.

Another key item on his agenda is reaching a U.S.-mediated security agreement with Israel.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) is currently underway in New York, with the high-level General Debate scheduled from September 23 to 29, 2025. This session marks a significant milestone in the UN's history, emphasising the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

The session commenced on September 9, 2025. The high-level General Debate, where world leaders address the assembly, began on September 23 and will conclude on September 29.

By Khagan Isayev