In a significant development for Syria’s reentry into the global financial system, the country has completed its first direct international bank transfer using the SWIFT system since the onset of its civil war 14 years ago.

Speaking from Damascus on Thursday, Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Husriyeh confirmed to Reuters that a commercial transfer was successfully processed on Sunday from a Syrian bank to an Italian financial institution.

“This marks a new chapter,” Husriyeh stated. “The door is now open to more such transactions.”

The transaction signals a potential easing of Syria’s financial isolation, which began in 2011 when the country was largely cut off from international banking networks due to conflict and sanctions. While details of the transaction were not disclosed, the successful use of the SWIFT system—a global messaging network used by banks for secure cross-border payments—represents a milestone in Syria’s efforts to normalize financial operations.

Officials hope this move could encourage further economic engagement and pave the way for rebuilding the nation’s crippled financial infrastructure. However, experts note that widespread re-integration will depend heavily on international policies and ongoing geopolitical considerations.