Syria Hails Removal From US Terrorism List as ‘Historic’ Opportunity
Damascus says Washington’s decision will help end years of isolation, attract foreign investment and reintegrate Syria into the global financial system
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and senior government officials on Monday welcomed Washington’s formal removal of Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing the decision as a historic opportunity to end the country’s international isolation and support its economic recovery.
“I congratulate the Syrian people on the official removal of Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism,” al-Sharaa wrote on X. “I thank His Excellency President Donald Trump for this historic decision, as well as all the brotherly nations and friends who stood by Syria and the Syrian people.”
The decision comes as Syria’s new authorities seek to rebuild state institutions, revive the economy and reunify the country following more than a decade of civil war that ended with the overthrow of longtime President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani described Washington’s decision as a “historic milestone,” saying it reflected “the new Syrian state’s commitment to international peace and security.”
“Under the guidance of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, we will continue our efforts to overcome the legacy of isolation and foster an environment based on transparency, mutual interests and respect,” al-Shaibani said on X.
He said the designation had been “associated with the policies and practices of the former regime” and “was never the choice of the Syrian people.”
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh described the decision as a “success for Syrian diplomacy,” according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The move, he said, “opens a major and long-awaited door to strengthening Syria’s integration into the global economic and financial system, attracting investment and modern technologies, and supporting development opportunities.”
Central bank chief Safwat Raslan also welcomed the decision, calling it “a historic step that restores the country to its natural place in the global economic system.”
He said the central bank was “working to build a modern and reliable financial system capable of evolving with developments and taking advantage of all opportunities.”
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack likewise hailed the decision, describing the end of the designation as “a decisive step in Syria’s remarkable journey from isolation to partnership, and from a source of terrorism to a committed partner in the global fight against it.”
Syria’s removal from the US terrorism list marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach toward Damascus under its new leadership.
The designation had imposed major restrictions on Syria’s access to international economic and financial channels and remained closely associated with the policies of the Assad government.
For al-Sharaa’s administration, the decision could help deepen diplomatic engagement, improve access to international finance and accelerate efforts to rebuild an economy devastated by years of conflict, sanctions and institutional collapse.
The government, however, still faces major political, security and economic challenges as it seeks to consolidate its authority and restore stability across the country.