Syria welcomed the US announcement of beginning procedures to remove its classification from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, following the discussions that took place on Wednesday in the Turkish capital Ankara between Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar'a and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry affirmed in a statement that lifting this designation along with ending sanctions would contribute to enhancing economic recovery opportunities and creating the necessary environment for reconstruction, encouraging trade and investment in a way that serves the interests of the Syrian people and supports security and stability in the region.

Related news

The ministry affirmed Syria's aspiration to continue constructive work with the United States to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve peace, development, and prosperity.

New support from Washington Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States had begun procedures to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a classification dating back decades, in a new support from Washington for the transitional phase led by President Ahmad al-Shar'a. The announcement of this step came on the day President Donald Trump met al-Shar'a on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially informed Congress of the start of these procedures, with the removal of the designation to take effect within 45 days, unless rejected by lawmakers, which is unlikely.

Historic step Rubio said: 'This is another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance to achieve greatness.' He added: 'Lifting sanctions on Syria will open the door for international trade and investment, give Syria an opportunity to rebuild, and open a new chapter for the Syrian people.' Rubio said in his statement that a stable, unified Syria living in peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region but the entire world.