Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced Friday.
In a statement, the ministry said the decision comes after a thorough review and also includes the removal of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Canada’s list of designated terrorist entities. The move aligns with recent actions by the United Kingdom and the United States and reflects efforts by Syria’s transitional government to promote stability and cooperate with international partners on counter-terrorism initiatives.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand welcomed the development, noting that it recognises “positive steps” by the Syrian government towards a peaceful, Syrian-led political transition since the departure of Bashar al-Assad last year. She added that Canada remains committed to addressing global security threats, including those posed by al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Syria responded positively to the announcement, describing it as “a constructive and encouraging step” that acknowledges the negative impact of sanctions on Syrian citizens and critical sectors. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the decision opens the way for closer Syrian-Canadian cooperation and pledged to continue working with international partners on reconstruction and economic recovery, while supporting regional and global stability.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which was one of the main armed groups opposing Assad’s forces during the civil war, was previously led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who now heads Syria’s transitional administration. The transitional government took office in January following Assad’s departure to Russia last December, ending nearly 60 years of Baath Party rule.
Canada continues to enforce sanctions on 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals, mostly former officials from the Assad regime, though limited relief measures have been introduced. Earlier this year, Ottawa issued a general permit easing certain economic restrictions, valid until 23 February 2026.
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The U.S. on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which ended weeks of deadly border clashes, and called on both countries to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.
Japan’s tourism sector has experienced a slowdown after China’s government advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Japan, following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Italian authorities have arrested nine people on suspicion of financing Hamas through Italy based charities, prosecutors said on Saturday, in an operation coordinated by anti mafia and anti terrorism units.
New York placed the state under emergency measures on Friday as a powerful winter storm brought the heaviest snowfall since 2022, disrupting travel across the north-east of the United States.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck the waters off Yilan County, Taiwan, late on Saturday, the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United States ahead of talks with President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war, as Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine overnight on Saturday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 40.
Iran is engaged in a “comprehensive war” with the United States, Israel, and Europe, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Saturday.
Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state on Friday, drawing strong condemnation from Somalia and regional and international organisations.
China has connected the world’s largest offshore solar power project to its national grid, marking a significant step in the country’s push to expand renewable energy generation.
The U.S. on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which ended weeks of deadly border clashes, and called on both countries to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.
Japan’s tourism sector has experienced a slowdown after China’s government advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Japan, following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Italian authorities have arrested nine people on suspicion of financing Hamas through Italy based charities, prosecutors said on Saturday, in an operation coordinated by anti mafia and anti terrorism units.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is travelling to the United States to meet President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, in what officials describe as a critical step in ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
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