Doha: Qatar and Jordan on Tuesday welcomed a US decision to remove Syria from Washington's list of state sponsors of terrorism, saying the move would support stability and recovery efforts in the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Qatar's Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing the US decision as a 'positive development' that contributes to efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria and the region. The ministry emphasized that the decision aligns with the path of a political settlement in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the aspirations of the Syrian people. Additionally, Qatar reiterated its support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, as well as its backing for the Syrian people in achieving security, stability, and prosperity.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry also expressed approval of the US decision, highlighting it as 'an important step' toward supporting Syria's reconstruction, recovery, and development. Spokesman Fuad al-Majali reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to Syria's reconstruction on foundations that preserve the country's unity, sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity, while ensuring the rights of all Syrians are safeguarded.

The statements from Qatar and Jordan followed an announcement by the US State Department on Monday, declaring the removal of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This move also included the revocation of the designation of the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. The US Treasury Department supported this decision.

Historically, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham was a significant armed group opposing Bashar al-Assad's forces during the Syrian revolution, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who assumed the Syrian presidency after Assad's ouster in December 2024. Syria had been on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1979, during the long rule of the former regime.

From Damascus's perspective, the removal from the terrorism list is seen as a gateway for increased economic transactions, investment, and international cooperation, along with the elimination of restrictions linked to the designation. However, other US restrictions remain subject to separate legal processes.