(CNN)-- Saudi Arabia welcomed in a statement from its Foreign Ministry on Thursday the US administration's announcement of initiating procedures to repeal the law designating Syria as a 'state sponsor of terrorism' which was enacted in 1979.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry affirmed in its statement that it "renews its support for all positive steps taken by the Syrian government to achieve its security and stability, contribute to building state institutions, and fulfill the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for a more stable and prosperous Syria."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the United States will remove Syria's name from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Rubio said in a statement: "Lifting sanctions on Syria will open prospects for international trade and investment, give it a chance to rebuild, and open a new chapter for the Syrian people."

He added: "A stable and unified Syria, at peace with itself and its neighbors, benefits not only the region but the entire world."

Rubio explained that the US administration informed Congress on Wednesday of its intention to lift this designation after a 45-day advance notice period.

There had been bipartisan pressure in Congress to lift this designation that had been in place since December 1979, with lawmakers saying the justification for this punitive designation no longer exists after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

For his part, Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi said that US President Donald Trump's announcement of notifying Congress of his decision to cancel Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism represents an important stage with broad political and economic dimensions, opening new horizons for Syria to open up, cooperate, and enhance its presence in the international community, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Al-Halabi added that "these steps represent the beginning of a new phase carrying many opportunities, and we must all work to turn them into real achievements that enhance development, support building strong institutions, and restore Syria's position and natural role in various fields."