Japan Lifts Sanctions on 16 Syrian Entities

The Japanese government announced a partial lifting of asset freezes and sanctions imposed since 2011 on a number of vital Syrian institutions, according to a statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a regular press briefing in Tokyo that the decision reflects ongoing coordination with the international community and supports the efforts of Syria's new authorities to achieve a comprehensive political settlement and a stable transition.

Entities Covered

The latest decision removed 16 Syrian entities and institutions from the sanctions and asset freeze list, spanning the oil, banking, service and administrative sectors. Among the most notable are:

• Syriatel telecommunications company
• Commercial Bank of Syria
• Syrian Petroleum Company
• General Organization of Radio and TV
• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Defense

A Gradual Approach Since 2025

The move follows a gradual approach adopted by Tokyo. In May 2025, the Japanese government had already unfrozen assets and lifted sanctions on four national banks: the Industrial Bank, the Popular Credit Bank, the Savings Bank, and the Agricultural Cooperative Bank. With this latest step, Japan aligns with similar measures taken by the European Union and the United States, both of which have gradually eased sanctions on Syria since late 2024.

Remaining Sanctions List

Kihara noted that Tokyo had imposed a broad package of sanctions and asset freezes since 2011, covering 59 individuals and 35 entities linked to the former Assad government. Following the successive rounds of relief, first on four entities in May 2025 and now on 16 additional entities, Japan's Foreign Ministry said the remaining list has been reduced to 59 individuals and 15 other entities not covered by the latest decision.

Japan's Humanitarian Engagement

These diplomatic and economic developments are paired with Japan's ongoing humanitarian engagement in Syria. In August, the Japanese embassy signed a cooperation agreement with the World Food Programme in Syria. The Japanese government stated that several of the institutions and ministries covered by the sanctions relief are positioned to play a central role in supporting Syria's rebuilding path and revitalizing its economic cycle in the coming period.