Syrian President Conducts First Visa Card Payment in Damascus Post-Delisting

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa executed the first-ever Visa card transaction in Damascus after Syria was removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Al-Sharaa appeared in a video clip shared by Central Bank of Syria Governor Safwat Raslan on 'X' platform Thursday, where he was seen paying a restaurant bill in Damascus using a Visa card.

Raslan commented on the video, stating, "Witnessing this moment with the President, with the inaugural Visa card transaction in the heart of Damascus following Syria's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, is ineffable."

He added that this marks "a new beginning filled with hope and responsibility."

The transaction followed the U.S. announcement of Syria's removal from the terrorism sponsors list, concluding a 47-year designation that brought stringent economic and financial restrictions.