Syria hails removal from US terrorism list as ‘result of transformation brought by Syrians’

Syria on Monday hailed its removal from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism as the "result of the transformation brought about by the Syrian people," saying the decision reflects the new Syrian state's commitment to international peace and security.

"We congratulate the Syrian people on this historic milestone," Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on the US social media platform X, referring to the removal of Syria from the list after 47 years.

Shaibani said the designation was associated with the policies and practices of the former regime, which was toppled in late 2024, and "was never the choice of the Syrian people, nor was it befitting of Syria and its history."

"This step is the result of the transformation brought about by the Syrian people," he stressed, adding that it also reflects the new Syrian state's commitment to international peace and security and to cooperation and partnership with the US and countries around the world.

Under President Ahmad al-Sharaa's guidance, "we will continue our efforts to overcome the legacy of isolation and foster an environment based on transparency, mutual interests and respect, in support of development and stability in Syria and the region," Shaibani said.

Shaibani thanked US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack, the US administration, members of Congress and others who contributed to the decision.

In a separate statement, Syria's Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision as opening "a new chapter" in the country's international relations, saying it would support economic recovery, help create conditions for reconstruction and strengthen stability and security in Syria and the region.

Damascus also expressed hope for further US steps to lift remaining restrictions hindering its recovery and said it looked forward to deeper strategic partnerships and broader cooperation with Washington and the international community.

Hours earlier, the US State Department announced that it had removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and revoked the designation of the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. The Treasury Department also endorsed the move.

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham was one of the most prominent armed groups opposing Bashar al-Assad's forces during Syria's civil war. The group was led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who became Syria's president after Assad's ouster in December 2024.

Syria had remained on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1979, during the decades-long rule of the former regime.

Damascus sees the removal of the designation as opening the way for greater economic transactions, investment and international cooperation as well as eliminating restrictions linked to the designation. Other US restrictions remain subject to separate legal processes.