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Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomes Syria sanctions relief

Turkish National Flags hanging over the Foreign Ministry Building in Ankara, Türkiye at an undated time, accessed on March 30, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Turkish National Flags hanging over the Foreign Ministry Building in Ankara, Türkiye at an undated time, accessed on March 30, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
May 25, 2025 09:05 AM GMT+03:00

Turkish officials have welcomed recent steps by the United States and European Union to lift sanctions against Syria, calling the measures critical for the country's stability and security efforts.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli expressed satisfaction with the sanctions relief measures in a statement posted on social media platform X.

"The steps taken recently by the United States and the European Union towards lifting sanctions against Syria are gratifying," Keceli said. "These arrangements are of critical importance in efforts to bring stability and security to Syria."

The spokesperson emphasized Türkiye's continued commitment to supporting Syria's economic development through institutional capacity, private sector entrepreneurship, and collaborative activities with third countries.

Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomes Syria sanctions relief
Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomes Syria sanctions relief

AK Party official supports regional stability efforts

Türkiye's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala also praised the sanctions relief, highlighting Türkiye's ongoing regional role.

"The steps taken toward lifting sanctions on Syria are hopeful for the stability and development of the country and the region," Ala stated on social media. "Türkiye will continue to contribute to the future, stability, and development of both Syria and the region."

This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Foreign Ministry press service on May 24, 2025, shows US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack (L) during a meeting with Syrias jihadist-turned-interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul. (Photo by Handout / TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  AFP PHOTO / TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY/HANDOUT  - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Foreign Ministry press service on May 24, 2025, shows US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack (L) during a meeting with Syrias jihadist-turned-interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul. (Photo by Handout / TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP PHOTO / TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY/HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Syrian President meets US Ambassador in Istanbul

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the US ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in Istanbul.

Ambassador Barrack shared details of the meeting on his X social media account, stating he met with President al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani to implement "President Donald Trump's bold decision to pave the way for peace and prosperity in Syria."

Barrack reported that President Sara praised the U.S. for quickly moving on sanctions relief. The Syrian leader welcomed Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of a 180-day waiver from the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions and the US Treasury Department's General License 25 and other sanction relief measures.

"Secretary Rubio's landmark announcement yesterday regarding the 180-day waiver from Caesar Act sanctions and the US Treasury Department's announcement of General License 25 and other sanctions relief measures were welcomed with satisfaction," Barrack stated.

"This meeting, as President Trump noted, was a historic meeting that left the sanctions issue far behind and resulted in a commitment by both countries to move forward quickly with investment, development, and the global branding of a new and inclusive Syria without sanctions," Barrack added.

"In the aftermath of the historic foundational meeting between the U.S. government and the new Syrian government—hosted by President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Fidan—Syria is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Thank you, President Trump!!!," he noted in a social media post on X.

May 25, 2025 09:06 AM GMT+03:00
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