Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have welcomed a US decision to remove Syria from Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, saying the move would support stability, reconstruction and recovery efforts in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the step represents “a positive development” that contributes to efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria and the region.
“The decision also supports the path of a political settlement in line with international legitimacy resolutions and the aspirations of the Syrian people,” it added.
The ministry reiterated Qatar’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence, and its backing for the Syrian people in achieving security, stability and prosperity.
Jordan’s foreign ministry also welcomed the US decision, calling it “an important step” toward supporting Syria’s reconstruction, recovery, and development.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Fuad al Majali reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Syria’s reconstruction on foundations that “preserve its unity, sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, while safeguarding the rights of all Syrians.”
The Saudi foreign ministry congratulated Syria’s government and people on the US decision, wishing the country lasting security, stability and prosperity.
A ministry statement said Riyadh supports “positive steps” taken by the Syrian government to strengthen security and stability, build state institutions and meet the Syrian people’s aspirations for a more stable and prosperous future.
Syria’s sovereignty
In a separate statement, the GCC welcomed Washington’s move, with Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi calling it a “positive development” that supports efforts to strengthen Syria’s security and stability and create conditions for recovery and development.
Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as continued international backing for efforts by the Syrian leadership to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The statements came after the US State Department announced on Monday that it had removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and revoked the designation of the al Nusrah Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al Sham, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. The US Treasury Department also endorsed the move.
Hayat Tahrir al Sham was one of the most prominent armed groups opposing Bashar al Assad’s forces during the Syrian revolution. The group was led by Ahmed al Sharaa, who became Syria’s president after Assad’s ouster in December 2024.
Syria had remained on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1979, during the decades-long rule of the former regime.
Damascus sees the removal of the designation as opening the way for greater economic transactions, investment, and international cooperation, as well as eliminating restrictions linked to the designation. Other US restrictions remain subject to separate legal processes.
