Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani addresses the members of the Security Council during a meeting about the situation in Syria at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, US, April 25, 2025. (Reuters Photo)

New start for reconstruction path: Syria reacts to Trump's sanctions lift plan

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani called the US decision to lift sanctions a "new start" for reconstruction, thanking Saudi Arabia. The move follows President Trump's announcement at a Riyadh forum.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani praised the US for lifting sanctions on Damascus
  • He called the move a 'new start' for Syria's reconstruction
  • Shibani thanked Saudi Arabia for facilitating the decision

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on Tuesday hailed US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Damascus, calling it a “new start” for Syria’s reconstruction efforts. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shibani expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating the move, saying it marked the opening of a new chapter for the Syrian people.

This comes after Trump announced the end of US sanctions during a high-profile appearance at a Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, framing the move as an opportunity for Syria to “achieve greatness” under its new leadership following the fall of the Assad regime.