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Syria leader commends US move to drop state terrorism designation

The Syrian leader has publicly welcomed the United States’ decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant diplomatic development.

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Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
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Source: Al Jazeera Global News · View original source
Al-Sharaa praises Trump’s decision to remove Syria from terrorism list
Ahmed al-Sharaa praises Trump policy shift

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has issued a statement praising United States President Donald Trump for removing Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. The designation carries substantial diplomatic and economic sanctions, and its removal signals a notable shift in bilateral relations between the two nations.

Al-Sharaa, who serves as the de facto leader of Syria following recent changes in the country’s government, characterised the US action as a positive policy decision. The statement underscores the Syrian administration’s focus on normalising its international standing and alleviating the restrictive measures associated with the terrorism list.

The US list of state sponsors of terrorism is a critical instrument of foreign policy, imposing strict penalties on designated countries. Removal from this list typically facilitates the lifting of various sanctions, potentially opening avenues for renewed economic engagement and diplomatic cooperation. However, the specific timeline for the implementation of these changes remains unspecified in the available reporting.

Reporting on the matter, Al Jazeera Global News highlighted the immediate reaction from Damascus. The source material indicates that the announcement was made without detailed elaboration on the administrative processes involved or independent verification of the status change at the time of publication.

The diplomatic realignment comes as Syria seeks to stabilise its position in the region. While the removal from the terrorism list is a significant symbolic and practical step, the full implications for regional security and economic recovery will depend on subsequent policy implementations and international responses.

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