By Feras DalateyDAMASCUS, Aug 24 (Reuters) - The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government.The removal, posted on the U.S. Treasury's website, took effect after a 45-day congressional review period triggered when Trump formally notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to rescind the designation.

The Trump administration also took Hayat Tahrir al-Sham off its blacklist of Specially Designated Global Terrorist organizations.

The Trump administration is expected to rescind the label on Monday, a US official said.

Syria had been on the list since 1979, but with the overthrow of longtime dictator Bashar Assad, Washington and Damascus have improved relations.