ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The foreign minister in Syria’s transitional government on Monday welcomed the European Union’s decision to begin easing sanctions on Damascus following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

EU foreign ministers on Monday agreed on a “roadmap” to temporarily suspend some of the sanctions the union imposed on Syria during Assad’s regime. The lifting of the sanctions is aimed at boosting Syria’s economy and helping the country “get back on its feet,” according to the EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas.

“We welcome the positive step taken by the European Union to suspend sanctions on Syria for one year, and look forward to seeing them lifted completely,” said Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in a post on X.

An 11-day sweeping rebel offensive, spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), brought a five-decade-long rule of the Assad family to an end on December 8.

Soon after Assad’s ouster, Damascus became a hotspot for diplomats’ visits worldwide, with many Western powers announcing their intent to develop ties with the new Syrian government.

“We hope that this decision will have a constructive impact on all aspects of life for the Syrian people and ensure sustainable development,” Shaibani added.

Several elements of the new Syrian administration remain under EU sanctions, including the country’s new de facto leader and former HTS chief Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Kallas said that they will not be relieving “anything related to arms dealing,” and stressed that the EU stands ready to reverse the decision “if wrong steps are taken.”