Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Syria Sanctions Under Caesar Act

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the decision by the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act, describing the move as an important step toward supporting stability, development, and prosperity in the country, and helping fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised what it called the “significant positive role” played by US President Donald Trump in the process, beginning with his announcement during a historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025 to lift all sanctions on Syria, and culminating in his signing of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom congratulated Syria’s leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions, and expressed appreciation for the measures taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across the country, create conditions conducive to reconstruction, revive the economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.

The repeal of the Caesar Act, which had imposed sanctions on Syria since 2019, was signed by the US president following approval by the US House of Representatives. The decision was officially welcomed by the Syrian government.

The Caesar Act had targeted entities accused of supporting Syria’s former regime, as well as individuals and companies linked to infrastructure investments or economic activity with the previous authorities. It also imposed sanctions on entities involved in financing Russian and Iranian activities in Syria.

Saudi sources noted that Washington’s decision followed sustained diplomatic efforts by Riyadh, which consistently advocated the lifting of unilateral and international sanctions during President Trump’s visit to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia believes the removal of sanctions will enable Syria to advance reconstruction efforts and unlock opportunities for long-term development and stability.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its continued support for the Syrian people at what it described as a critical stage in their history, and reiterated its commitment to contributing to the rebuilding of Syria as a unified, independent, and secure Arab state, free from terrorism and external violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, Syria’s central bank governor, Abdulqader al-Hassriya, said the repeal of the Caesar Act removes a major legal obstacle that had hindered Syria’s integration into the international financial system. He noted that while Syria is expected to begin with a low credit rating, the decision opens the door to sovereign credit assessments that could gradually improve access to global financial markets.

Syria’s state news agency SANA described the repeal as the culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts by the Syrian government, supported by Syrian-American organizations and friendly countries, adding that the move is expected to contribute to economic recovery, stability, and development.