Syrian president says country 'turning page' after US terror delisting

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Tuesday welcomed Washington's decision to remove Damascus from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, declaring that the country was entering a new era of reconstruction after 46 years of international isolation. "Today, Syria is shedding a dark stain from its shoulders and tearing up with its own hands a page from its painful past, to move into a new space of development, reconstruction and building," al-Sharaa said in a video posted on X, referring to the designation Washington had maintained since 1979.

Congratulations to Syrian people

Addressing the nation on the social media platform, the Syrian leader congratulated citizens on the lifting of sanctions and framed the development as a collective achievement. "Great people of Syria, you have done it again. Sanctions have been lifted from you and restrictions have been removed," al-Sharaa said, adding that the nation had persevered through decades of hardship to reach this moment.

Praise for Washington

Al-Sharaa specifically thanked US President Donald Trump for what he termed a "historic decision," expressing gratitude toward the White House for ending the long-standing restriction. He also extended appreciation to regional allies and international partners who had supported Syria throughout its prolonged crisis, noting that their solidarity had proven crucial during difficult times.

Foreign Ministry response

Syria's Foreign Ministry earlier issued a statement welcoming the delisting as a step toward restoring the country's international standing and facilitating economic recovery. The ministry said the removal would open "a new chapter" in diplomatic relations while supporting stability and security throughout the region, according to the official news agency.