Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said many of the entities being removed from the sanctions list were expected to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction, Anadolu Agency reported.
“Stability and development in Syria are directly linked to stability across the entire Middle East,” Kihara said, adding that Tokyo intended to support the country.
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The decision was approved by Japan’s Cabinet and follows Tokyo’s sanctions against the administration of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which were introduced in 2011.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the measures were being partially lifted “in view of the subsequent developments” in Syria and the relationship between Tokyo and Damascus.
A total of 16 of the 31 entities previously subject to sanctions have been removed from the list. The entities include Syria’s Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry, as well as oil companies and financial institutions.
Japan and Syria restored diplomatic relations last December after a 15-year break. The move followed political changes in Syria after al-Sharaa formed a new government following the ousting of Assad in December 2024.
Tokyo said the sanctions relief was intended to reflect developments in Syria and facilitate the country’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
However, sanctions remain in place against 59 individuals and 15 entities, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
