Washington, July 8 (SANA)US Secretary of State MarcoRubioannounced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

In a post on X, Rubio described the move as a historic step that would open new opportunities for Syria’s recovery and economic development, giving the Syrian people a chance to achieve prosperity and growth.

Today@POTUSinformed Congress of his intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This historic step opens new possibilities for economic opportunity and recovery, giving the Syrian people a chance at greatness.

Earlier in the day, a senior US administration official told Reuters that President Trump had formally notified Congress of the decision. Under US law, Congress will review the move over a 45-day period before it can take effect.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Ahmad al-Sharaa met President Trump on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, where they discussed Syrian-US relations, ways to strengthen bilateral ties, and regional developments.

Washington designated Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979 under the policies of the ousted regime.