Pakistan, June 19 -- DAMASCUS - In a major financial milestone, Syria successfully completed its first international bank transfer using the SWIFT system since the start of its civil war 14 years ago. The announcement was made on Thursday by Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Husriyeh.

Speaking to Reuters in Damascus, Husriyeh confirmed that a direct commercial transaction took place on Sunday between a Syrian bank and an Italian bank. This marks a key step toward Syria's reintegration into the global financial system.

"The door is now open to more such transactions," Husriyeh stated, expressing hope that this development will encourage renewed international financial cooperation with Syria. He did not reveal the names of the banks involv...