Damascus, July 9 (SANA)U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpinformed PresidentAhmad al-Sharaathat he has formally notified Congress of his decision to begin the process of rescinding Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

According to a message received by President al-Sharaa on Wednesday, Trump said that, under U.S. law,Congresswill undertake a 45-day review before the decision can take effect.

Trump said the move is intended to remove obstacles to Syria’s reconstruction, adding that U.S. companies are ready to invest in the country and support its economic recovery. He expressed hope that the decision would benefit theSyrian peopleand help expand cooperation between Syria and the United States.

Earlier on Wednesday, President al-Sharaa met Trump on the sidelines of theNATOSummit inAnkara, where the two leaders discussedSyrian-U.S. relations, ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and regional developments.

The United States designated Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979, a designation that stemmed from the policies of the deposed regime.