Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has embarked on a landmark visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to address the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to state media reports on Sunday.

A statement from the presidency, broadcast on Syrian state television, confirmed Sharaa’s departure, marking the first time a Syrian leader will speak at the UNGA since Nureddin al-Atassi in 1967.

Sharaa rose to power in December following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, whose regime had ruled Syria for over five decades. The transition came after a coalition led by Sharaa’s Islamist faction ended nearly 14 years of civil war.

Since assuming office, Sharaa has made significant diplomatic strides, meeting with global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, his first official engagements in the West. Despite these developments, Sharaa remains subject to UN sanctions and a travel ban due to his militant past, requiring special exemptions for international travel.

Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is already in Washington, where he has held meetings with U.S. senators, State Department officials, and representatives from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. These talks have focused on minority protections in Syria and ongoing negotiations with Israel.

Syria and Israel, still technically at war, have initiated direct diplomatic contacts since Assad’s removal. Officials from both sides have met multiple times, and discussions are underway to finalize security and military agreements. Israel has reportedly requested the establishment of a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.

Last week, al-Sharaa confirmed that negotiations with Israel include plans for a security accord that would lead to Israeli withdrawal from recently occupied Syrian territories. The United States has already lifted most of its sanctions imposed during Assad’s tenure, and further relief is being considered as talks progress.