Visa and Mastercard process first international payments in Syria after a decade

Reports indicate that Visa and Mastercard have resumed processing international card payments in Syria. This development marks the end of a more than decade-long suspension of international financial services in the country. The transactions occurred just days after the United States removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This move is seen as part of Damascus's efforts to reconnect with the global financial system. Syrian authorities hope that this opening in banking services will help improve the economic situation and facilitate international trade exchanges.