The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to ​the new Syrian government, Reuters reported.

The removal, posted on the U.S. Treasury’s website, took effect after a 45-day congressional review period triggered when Trump ‌formally notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to rescind the designation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced in early July that Syria would be removed from the list, but the decision required congressional review before becoming official.

“These actions were all taken in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said his country is shaking off a cruel irony that has weighed on it and tearing up a page from its painful past as it moves toward development, reconstruction and building.

Addressing the Syrian people, President al-Sharaa said: “Great people of Syria, you have done it again. Sanctions have been lifted and restrictions removed.”

President al-Sharaa expressed his deep appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump and to all friendly and supportive countries that stood by Syria, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, said that “We congratulate our Syrian people on this historic event of removing Syria’s name from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, after 47 years of a designation linked to the policies and practices of the ousted regime. It was never the choice of our people, nor does it befit Syria and its history.

In comments following the US Treasury announcement to formally removing Syria from state sponsors of terrorism, al-Shaibani added that This step is the result of the transformation brought about by Syrians that embodies the new Syrian state’s commitment to international peace and security, in addition to cooperation and partnership with the United States and all countries of the world.

“Upon the directives of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, we will continue working to remove the effects of isolation and create an environment based on transparency, mutual interests and respect, in a way that enhances development and stability in Syria and the region,” the Syrian Foreign Minister said.

“We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to President Donald Trump, our friend Secretary of State Marco Rubio, our friend Ambassador Tom Barrack, the U.S. administration, members of Congress, and everyone who contributed to achieving this historic step,” he added. (Reuters; SANA; File Photo:  U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met on 8 July at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey © AA)