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The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement welcoming the United States’ ratification of its decision to rescind Syria’s designation from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the move as a positive development that supports efforts to enhance Syria’s security and stability. The statement noted that the action creates suitable conditions to advance recovery and development pathways in line with the aspirations of the Syrian people. Albudaiwi reaffirmed the bloc’s steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
According to the GCC statement, continued international efforts and supportive measures for the Syrian leadership and people remain essential. Albudaiwi expressed hope that the decision would reinforce regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting stability in Syria. The secretary general further hoped the step would encourage broader cooperation to help Syria restore its standing and achieve development and prosperity.
A White House communication transmitted to Congress on July 8, 2026 certified that the Syrian government had not provided support for international terrorism in the preceding six months. The same document stated that Syria had furnished assurances it would not support such acts in the future, according to the memorandum of justification. Syria was originally designated as a state sponsor of terrorism on December 29, 1979, the US government publication recorded. This notification started a 45-day congressional review period required under US law before the rescission could finalize.
The final removal took effect this week following completion of the review, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The Syrian Arab News Agency reported that several Arab states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar had welcomed the initial July announcement with similar statements of support for Syria’s unity and reconstruction. Those statements from July emphasized backing for measures that strengthen security and stability in the country.
Al Jazeera reported that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa hailed the US decision as historic and said it would help the country rebuild after 14 years of civil war. In a post on X, al-Sharaa thanked US President Donald Trump and stated that Syria was turning a page from its painful past toward development, reconstruction and building, the network added. The GCC statement focused on political and security dimensions without addressing specific economic outcomes from the delisting.
