Trump says the U.S. will end sanctions on Syria as he works to deepen diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would cease sanctions against war-torn Syria “to give them a chance at greatness,” as he seeks to strengthen ties to Saudi Arabia and others.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would cease sanctions against war-torn Syria “to give them a chance at greatness,” as he seeks to strengthen ties to Saudi Arabia and others.

“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump said as Mohammed bin Salman, seated in the front row, crossed his arms over his chest in an expression of gratitude. 

“It’s their time to shine,” Trump added. “Good luck, Syria. Show us something very special, like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia, OK? They’re going to show us something special. Very good people.”

People celebrate in Damascus' Omeyyad square on Wednesday after President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions in Syria.Abdulaziz Ketaz / AFP via Getty ImagesTrump will meet with Syria's new president in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, an announcement confirmed by the White House shortly before the president began speaking.

In his speech, Trump presented Middle Eastern leaders with a vision of a future steeped in prosperity, business deals and technological advances, which the president treated as an antidote to historic divisions.