Syria has welcomed a decision by the European Union to remove several Syrian institutions from its sanctions list as part of efforts to support the country's transition.
"We welcome the European Union’s decision to lift sanctions on a number of Syrian government entities, including the ministries of interior and defence,” Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani wrote on X on Monday.
"We also appreciate the renewal of sanctions imposed on figures of the former regime and those involved in crimes against our people," he said.
Damascus looks forward to deepening cooperation with its partners in the EU "in a way that serves the interests of our people, is based on mutual respect and shared interests, and supports the path of reconstruction," Shaibani added.
The EU on Monday renewed restrictive measures targeting individuals and entities linked to the former Syrian regime of Bashar al Assad for another year, while removing several institutions from its sanctions list as part of efforts to support the country's transition.
The EU Council said in a statement that the sanctions would remain in force until June 1, 2027, following its annual review of measures imposed on figures associated with the former regime.
Bashar al Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, 2024, bringing the Baath Party’s decades-long rule to an end. A transitional administration led by President Ahmed al Sharaa was formed in January 2025.
