SBAA Statement on Syria’s Removal from the U.S. Terrorism List

The Syrian British Academic Association (SBAA) extends its warmest congratulations to the Syrian people, at home and abroad, on the removal of the Syrian Arab Republic from the United States’ list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This historic step marks an important milestone in overcoming years of isolation and restrictions that have affected Syrians and many sectors of the country.

The SBAA expresses its sincere appreciation to Syrian state institutions and the Syrian leadership, foremost among them His Excellency President Ahmad al-Sharaa, for the diplomatic and political efforts that contributed to this achievement and to rebuilding Syria’s regional and international relations.

Syria’s removal from the list represents an important step towards its reintegration into the international community. It can support economic recovery and reconstruction, encourage investment and international cooperation, and create new opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

The SBAA particularly welcomes the potential impact on higher education and academic research. Syrian universities, academics, researchers, and students have faced significant obstacles in accessing resources, funding, international partnerships, conferences, and academic exchanges. This development can help open new avenues for cooperation between Syrian universities and academic institutions around the world.

The SBAA believes that this new phase offers an important opportunity for Syrian academic institutions and academics in the diaspora to contribute to rebuilding Syria’s higher education and research sector and strengthening international academic partnerships.

On this important national occasion, the SBAA reaffirms its commitment to supporting Syrian academics, researchers, students, and universities; strengthening Syrian-British and international academic cooperation; and contributing to the recovery of Syria’s academic and scientific institutions.