Syria's "Golden May": Sanctions Lifted, Major Deals Signed

Syria's 'Golden May': A Month of International Engagement and Economic Agreements Syria experienced a significant shift in its international relations and economic prospects during May 2025. A series of high-profile meetings and agreements marked a turning point in the post-Assad era. The month began with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to France, where he met with President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions focused on reconstruction efforts and economic cooperation. This was followed by the United States lifting sanctions against Syria on May 13th, a decision prompted by a request from Saudi Arabia. The European Union also announced the removal of its own sanctions on May 20th, a move hailed by Damascus as a historic achievement. The month culminated in the signing of a major energy agreement on May 29th, involving four international companies and totaling $7 billion. This agreement, attended by President al-Assad and the US envoy to Syria, underscores the growing international engagement with Syria and its potential for economic recovery. "This is a historic moment for Syria," stated a Syrian government official, referring to the lifting of sanctions. The energy agreement, a key component of this recovery, promises to revitalize Syria's energy sector and contribute to its overall economic stability.