Asaad Hassan al-Shaybani, Syria’s foreign minister, welcomed the removal of the country’s name from the list of supporters of terrorism and called it a historic event.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, he said that Syria’s presence on this list for 47 years—linked to the policies of the Assad family government—was never the choice of the Syrian people, and did not align with Syria’s status or its history.

Al-Shaybani added: “This step is the result of transformations brought about by Syrians, and it shows the new Syrian state’s commitment to peace and international security, as well as cooperation and partnership with the United States and all countries of the world.”

He said: “By the order of Ahmad al-Sharaa, President of Syria, we will continue efforts to remove the consequences of isolation and create an environment based on transparency, mutual interests, and respect; in such a way as to contribute to development and stability in Syria and the region.”