U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria's president in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and urged him to normalise ties with longtime foe Israel, after a surprise U.S. announcement that it would lift all sanctions on the Islamist-led government.

President Donald Trump called on Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa to sign the Abraham Accords, a move that would recognize Israel’s sovereignty and promote stability in the Middle East. The United States urged Syria to take the historic step of recognizing Israel’s statehood during a meeting between Trump and Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday,

The White House said Trump agreed to “say hello” to al-Sharaa before the US leader wrapped up his stay in Saudi Arabia and headed to Qatar, where Trump is to be honored with a state visit.