Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on Sunday with a delegation representing the Syrian community in Washington ahead of official talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Al-Sharaa was accompanied by Syria's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack was also present at the event where al-Sharaa met with representatives of Syrian-American organizations to discuss the situation of Syrians abroad and ways to strengthen communication with them, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

In a statement released on the Syrian Presidency’s Telegram channel, Al-Sharaa emphasized “the importance of maintaining ties between Syrians abroad and their homeland, Syria,” and highlighted their role in “conveying the true image of their country and defending its just causes.”

The statement added that “the president praised the efforts and initiatives of the Syrian community in Washington, which reflect their deep sense of belonging and pride in their homeland.”

Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Monday at the White House.

Once detained by the U.S. for joining al-Qaida in Iraq, al-Sharaa will be the first Syrian president to visit Washington since 1946.

After leading a successful rebellion against Bashar Assad last December, al-Sharaa has worked to establish new international ties.

Syria is expected to join the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group. The visit marks a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations and could impact regional dynamics.