Syria welcomes US decision to lift sanctions, hosts US delegation
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Damascus welcomed the US decision to lift sanctions and hosted a congressional delegation, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations, with discussions on repealing the Caesar Act and supporting Syria’s stability.
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Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, right, meets with US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, July 9, 2025. (AP)
The Syrian Arab Republic has welcomed the decision of the United States Department of the Treasury to remove Syria from its sanctions lists, describing the move as a positive step that will improve humanitarian and economic conditions for its people.
According to Damascus, the decision will facilitate trade, financial transactions, and ease restrictions on US exports to Syria, representing an important development for the country’s recovery.
The announcement came as a second official delegation from the US Congress arrived in Damascus, marking what Syrian officials described as the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations built on mutual respect and constructive dialogue.
Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received the delegation, which included Senator Jane Shaheen of New Hampshire, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Forces Committees. They were accompanied by US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack.
The meeting was also attended by Syrian ministers of defense, interior, social affairs, and labor.
Discussions on lifting sanctions
Talks centered on growing support within the US Congress for steps to fully lift sanctions on Syria, including efforts to repeal the Caesar Act before the end of this year.
President al-Sharaa expressed appreciation for these efforts, emphasizing that recent developments constitute “a practical path that serves the interests of the Syrian people and promotes stability in the region.”
Dialogue on security and rights
Senator Shaheen discussed with the Syrian leadership progress on the security situation and broader US priorities in Syria. She stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Syrians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Alongside the official talks, the US delegation also met with General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as well as religious leaders and civil society representatives at a peace and dialogue conference held in a Christian monastery.
Damascus reiterated its commitment to continuing dialogue and cooperation with international partners, based on sovereignty and mutual respect, as part of efforts to serve both the Syrian people and regional stability.
