Tokyo:Japan said it is lifting partial sanctions on Syria, indicating support for President Ahmad al-Sharaa's government.

According to Anadolu Agency, Japan's chief government spokesperson, Kihara Minoru, announced that many of the entities being removed from the sanctions list are expected to contribute to Syria's reconstruction. This development follows the restoration of diplomatic relations between Syria and Japan last December, after a 15-year hiatus. This diplomatic move came a year after al-Sharaa formed a government post the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Kihara emphasized that stability and development in Syria are crucial for the stability of the entire Middle East, and Tokyo plans to assist the country. The Japanese Cabinet decided on this action in light of recent developments in Syria and the evolving bilateral relationship with Damascus. Japan had initially imposed sanctions on the al-Assad regime in 2011.

The Japanese government has announced a partial lifting of asset freezing and other restrictive measures, with 16 out of 31 entities, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, oil companies, and financial institutions, being removed from the sanctions list. However, sanctions will continue to apply to 59 individuals and 15 entities.