Japan approves lifting sanctions on 16 Syria-linked organisations
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expects the 16 organisations approved for sanctions removal to help rebuild Syria.
- Japan's government has approved the lifting of sanctions against 16 organizations linked to Syria.
- The decision was made because these organizations are expected to contribute to Syria's reconstruction.
- This is part of a broader easing of sanctions by Tokyo following the collapse of the former Assad regime in 2024.
- Following this decision, 59 individuals and 15 other entities remain under Japanese sanctions.
Japan’s government agreed on Tuesday (September 29) to end sanctions against another 16 organisations associated with Syria.
The decision leaves 59 individuals and 15 entities subject to Japanese restrictions.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara set out Tokyo’s position at a news conference on Tuesday.
“Stability and development in Syria are directly linked to stability across the Middle East,” he said. “We would like to continue supporting Syria's efforts.”
The 16 organisations approved for sanctions removal “are expected to play a role in contributing to Syria's reconstruction”, Kihara added.
Tokyo has taken account of steps by Syria’s new government when easing sanctions following the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024.
The easing included the lifting of sanctions on four entities in May 2025.
The suppression of anti-government demonstrations by then-President Assad’s government was Japan’s stated reason for introducing sanctions in 2011.
Tokyo applied the restrictions to his regime in successive stages.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
