AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act, calling it an “important step toward supporting Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.”

 

The ministry spokesperson Fouad Majali said the move reflects international will to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts in line with the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity.

 

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of US President Donald Trump and his decision to lift the sanctions.

 

Majali reaffirmed the Kingdom’s “longstanding support for Syria’s reconstruction in a manner that preserves its unity, sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards the rights of all Syrians.”

 

The US Congress on Wednesday permanently ended the sanctions imposed on Syria under Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December last year.

 

The Caesar Act, named after an anonymous photographer who documented atrocities in Assad's prisons, severely restricted investment and cut off Syria from the international banking system.

 

Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa on Friday welcomed the permanent lifting by the United States of the so-called Caesar sanctions, paving the way for the return of investments to the war-ravaged nation, according to AFP.

 

"Today is the first day that Syria is without sanctions, thanks to God Almighty, and then to your efforts and patience for 14 years," Sharaa said in a recorded video in the first post of his official X account.

 

Sharaa gave his "special thanks to (US) President Donald Trump... for responding to the call of the Syrian people, and to the members of Congress for recognising the sacrifices of the Syrian people".

 

Trump had already twice suspended the implementation of sanctions against Syria in response to pleas from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, allies of the new government headed by Sharaa, a former jihadist.

 

Earlier on Friday, a Syrian foreign ministry statement welcomed the step, calling it "an entrance to the phase of reconstruction and development".

 

It urged "all Syrians in the country and abroad to contribute to national recovery efforts".