The US decision to begin procedures to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism was met with Gulf welcome, as the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed hope that the step would contribute to efforts to enhance security and stability, support international cooperation with Syria, bolster reconstruction efforts, attract investment, and reintegrate the country into the global financial and economic systems.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi welcomed the US announcement of the start of procedures to remove Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, expressing hope that the step would support international and regional efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria.
He expressed hope that the move would serve as an impetus to strengthen international cooperation with Syria, supporting its efforts to restore its regional and international standing and advance its security, development, and prosperity.
He affirmed that the GCC renews its steadfast position supporting Syria's unity, the preservation of its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and the rejection of any interference in its internal affairs, stressing the importance of continuing these efforts to ensure a prosperous future for the brotherly Syrian people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain also expressed Bahrain's welcome of President Trump's announcement of the start of procedures to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and Congress's initiation of procedures to complete the decision's entry into force, describing it as an important step towards supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts, enhancing opportunities to attract investment and foreign aid, and reintegrating it into the global financial and economic systems.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Bahrain's appreciation for Trump's efforts in supporting Syria, in the context of his initiatives to lift economic sanctions and his endeavours to entrench security, peace, and sustainable development in the region. It reiterated Bahrain's steadfast position supporting Syria's security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity, in a manner that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for security, stability, and sustainable prosperity, and the restoration of Syria's active role in its Arab and international surroundings, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
The chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, had earlier announced that President Donald Trump had notified Congress of his intention to lift Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.