U.S. President Donald Trump was complimentary of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’s work uniting the war-torn country as he announced his intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.
“He’s done a really fantastic job as President. He’s unified the country in a very short period of time – I’d say about a year and a half. … It’s amazing. In a short period of time it’s really been stabilized. … It’s a country that a lot of people are very proud of and they’re proud of the job he’s done.”
President Trump discussed the proud cultural history of Syria and the ongoing steps to improve the country’s global standing following positive changes and counterterrorism actions taken by the Syrian government. Syria has been on the State Sponsor of Terrorism List since 1979 and the removal will take effect following a 45-day Congressional notification.
“This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness,” wrote U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.
The rescission follows President Trump’s June 30, 2025, Executive Order which created a roadmap for sanctions relief for Syria. Removing the State Sponsor of Terrorism status will further assist the economy, wrote Secretary Rubio:
“Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people. A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world.”
President al-Sharaa has provided formal assurances that Syria will not support acts of international terrorism in the future and committed to combat terrorism in all its forms.
The announcement marks “a significant milestone in the revived U.S.-Syria bilateral relationship and in Syria’s history as a nation,” Secretary Rubio noted. “We commend the government of Syria for charting a new course and look forward to enhancing our partnership with Syria and its people.”