Syria Welcomes U.S. Treasury Decision to Remove It from Sanctions Lists, Sees Step Toward Enhanced Relations

Damascus, 25 August 2025 — The Syrian Arab Republic welcomes the decision by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to remove Syria from the sanctions lists under the Code of Federal Regulations, pursuant to executive orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the lifting of sanctions. The Ministry regards this measure as a constructive step forward, one that is anticipated to positively influence the humanitarian and economic conditions of the Syrian people. It is expected to enhance the flow of trade and financial transactions, remove barriers to U.S. exports to Syria, and thereby contribute to alleviating the hardships faced by citizens, while creating new opportunities for bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.

The Syrian Arab Republic further interprets the timing of this decision—coinciding with the visit of a second official U.S. Congressional delegation to Damascus—as a significant indication of a potential new chapter in relations, grounded in mutual respect and productive dialogue.

In this spirit, His Excellency President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received the delegation, which included Senator Jeanne Shaheen (representing New Hampshire and serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) and Representative Joe Wilson (representing South Carolina and serving on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees), accompanied by Ambassador Thomas Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria.

The delegation engaged in meetings with the President, attended by the Ministers of Defense, Interior, and Social Affairs and Labor. Discussions focused on avenues to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two nations. The meetings highlighted the increasing support within the U.S. Congress for the complete removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria, including ongoing efforts to repeal the “Caesar Act” by the end of the current year.

President Al-Sharaa expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by members of Congress in this regard. He underscored that these parallel developments—the easing of sanctions and the exchange of high-level visits—reflect a pragmatic and realistic approach that advances the interests of the Syrian people and promotes regional security and stability.

The Syrian government reiterates its commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation with all international partners, guided by the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect, and in pursuit of stability and prosperity for the Syrian people and the wider region.