Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist entity. According to a statement issued by Global Affairs Canada, the step aligns with recent decisions taken by allied nations, including the UK and the US. The statement noted that these measures “were not taken lightly,” affirming that the safety and security of Canadians remains the government’s top priority.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand welcomed the decision as part of Canada’s engagement with the positive steps taken by the Syrian government since the fall of the Assad regime one year ago. She stated that the move reflects a wider trend among Canada’s allies and corresponds with the Syrian government’s efforts to advance stability, promote an inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and work with global partners to enhance regional stability and support counterterrorism initiatives.
Syria Welcomes Decision and Calls for Expanded Cooperation
The Syrian government described Canada’s decision as a “positive and constructive development” that acknowledges the harm caused by sanctions on the Syrian people and essential sectors. Damascus said the move represents an important milestone in bilateral relations and opens the door to broader cooperation.
It reiterated readiness to engage in dialogue with international partners to support economic recovery and reconstruction in a way that strengthens shared security interests. The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdulqadir Husriya, welcomed the lifting of sanctions, calling it a new chapter of opportunities and improved cooperation between the two countries.
Husrieh explained that he held a series of “fruitful and successful” meetings with the Bank of Canada and other major financial-sector partners during a recent visit aimed at strengthening relations between the Syrian and Canadian banking sectors.
He said the discussions demonstrated a clear willingness on the Canadian side to support financial stability and expand cooperation. Husrieh added, “We look forward to leveraging this new beginning and working together to reintegrate our economy into the global financial system in a safe and effective manner.”
International Context and Counterterrorism Progress
In a related development, the US and Britain removed sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on November 7. The US State Department said the decision reflects progress made by the Syrian leadership following the fall of the Assad regime, citing advances in counter-narcotics efforts, the elimination of chemical weapons, and the promotion of regional security.
The new government in Damascus has also undertaken significant measures to curb the use of Syrian territory as a transit corridor for Iranian and Hezbollah weapons and funding, representing a sharp departure from the practices of the former regime.
