Qatar and Kuwait Welcome Washington's Removal of Sanctions Imposed on Syria

Qatar and Kuwait welcomed on Friday the United States' removal of sanctions imposed on Syria under the "Caesar Act," expressing their hope that this would contribute to the recovery of the Syrian economy.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The State of Qatar welcomes the decision of the United States of America to lift the sanctions imposed on the sister Arab Republic of Syria under the Caesar Act, considering it an important step towards supporting stability and prosperity in Syria."

It expressed "Qatar's hope that the lifting of sanctions will open new horizons for cooperation and partnerships with various countries and open the door for the return of investments and the flow of international aid, which will help accelerate the recovery of the economy and restore Syria to its natural position on the global economic map."

The ministry renewed "Qatar's full support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its brotherly people for security, stability, and development."

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed in a statement its country's welcome of the US decision to lift the "Caesar" sanctions.

It praised the role of US President Donald Trump in lifting the sanctions on Syria.

The ministry explained that this "important" step would "contribute to supporting economic recovery in Syria and backing the Syrian government's efforts in reconstruction, development, and enhancing its international economic cooperation and partnerships."

The ministry renewed "Kuwait's supportive stance towards the sister Arab Republic of Syria in all its efforts to establish its security and stability, preserving its territorial unity and sovereignty."

On Thursday evening, Trump signed at a White House ceremony the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, which included a provision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the "Caesar Act," thus officially removing the sanctions.

On Wednesday, the US Senate voted in favor of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2026, which included a provision to repeal the "Caesar Act," and sent it to the President for signature to become effective.

On December 11, 2019, the US Congress passed the "Caesar Act" to punish the regime officials of the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for "war crimes" committed against civilians.

The repeal of the law, which imposed broad economic and financial sanctions, is expected to pave the way for the return of investments and foreign aid to support the new Syrian administration.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian rebels entered the capital Damascus, announcing the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime (2000–2024), which had inherited power from his father Hafez (1971–2000).