Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant diplomatic shift. The announcement came on Friday, December 5, with Global Affairs Canada stating that Syria’s interim government is working toward national stability and reconstruction. The decision follows similar moves by the United States and the United Kingdom, signaling a coordinated Western reassessment of Syria’s political trajectory.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada welcomes Syria’s steps toward a peaceful political transition and reaffirmed support for the Syrian people’s pursuit of an inclusive and prosperous future. The ministry emphasized that Syria has been cooperating with global partners to maintain regional stability and combat terrorism.

Syria was first designated as a terrorism-supporting state in 2012 under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The policy reversal coincides with a recent visit by representatives of all 15 UN Security Council member states to Syria, suggesting renewed international engagement with Damascus and potential openings for broader diplomatic normalization.