Canada has removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, following a similar move by the United States (US) and citing efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government to advance the country’s stability.
The announcement on Friday came as Syria prepares to mark one year since the toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Canada’s foreign ministry also revoked the terrorist designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led the alliance which helped remove al-Assad.
In a statement, the ministry said the decisions were “not taken lightly”.
“These measures are in line with recent decisions taken by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and follows the efforts by the Syrian transitional government to advance Syria’s stability, build an inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and work alongside global partners to reinforce regional stability and counter terrorism.”
Canada had listed Syria as a state supporter of terrorism in 2012 after al-Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests plunged the country into civil war.
HTS had been widely sanctioned over its links to al-Qaeda, but several Western states have delisted the group to allow better collaboration with the new Syrian government.
Since assuming power, Syria’s new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to both Syrians and foreign powers.
The ministry said it will continue to maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials from al-Assad’s government and members of the toppled ruler’s family.
The US partially suspended sanctions against Syria in June and extended the suspension in November, following talks between al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Days before that meeting, the US had declared that al-Sharaa was no longer a “specially designated global terrorist”.
Al-Sharaa, who once led al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, split from the group in 2016. Since removing al-Assad, he has further reinvented his image, dropping the alias Abu Mohammed al-Julani and promoting a tolerant and inclusive Syria.
Earlier this year, the interim leader addressed the United Nations General Assembly, saying his country is “reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world”.
He has also worked to strengthen economic ties with the US and the European Union.