TOKYO: Japan on Tuesday (Sept 29) decided to further ease sanctions on Syria, lifting measures against 16 entities in an effort to support the country's reconstruction following the 2024 collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Kyodo News reported.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a regular press conference in Tokyo that the decision had been made to support the Syrian government's efforts to bring stability to the country. Sanctions are still in place on 59 individuals and 15 entities, he said.
"Many of the organisations on which sanctions have been lifted are expected to play a part in Syria's reconstruction. Stability and development in Syria are directly linked to stability across West Asia," Kihara said.
Japan first imposed sanctions against Syria in 2011, with the measures eventually targeting 59 individuals and 35 organisations. In May 2025, it lifted them on four entities in line with moves by the international community to support a stable transition.
The United States and the European Union have also moved to lift sanctions against Syria. - Bernama-Kyodo
