Saudi Arabia and Qatar are set to provide financial support to Syrian state employees, as declared by Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan. The support will roll out over three months, building on previous financial assistance aimed at settling Syria’s World Bank arrears. This comes amid lifted sanctions and increasing conversations about economic recovery in Syria.
In a significant announcement from Cairo, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud stated that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will jointly provide financial support to Syria’s state employees. This decision was disclosed during a press conference with Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani in Damascus. However, specifics regarding the financial figures remain undisclosed, leaving many to speculate about the potential impact of this assistance on Syria’s economy.
The joint initiative by Saudi Arabia and Qatar will be executed over a three-month period, as noted in their joint statement. This comes shortly after their earlier contribution in April which aimed at clearing Syria’s outstanding arrears with the World Bank, estimated at around $15 million. As the region continues to adapt to recent political shifts, the financial backing from these Gulf allies could prove crucial for Syria.
This visit by the Saudi foreign minister follows the unexpected announcement from the U.S. regarding the lifting of sanctions on the Islamist-led Syrian government, which deposed former leader Bashar al-Assad. Reportedly, U.S. President Donald Trump made this decision during his recent Middle East visit, which was encouraged by Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, a vocal proponent for easing restrictions.
In addition to the financial aid, Prince Faisal emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction efforts. Accompanying him was a high-level economic delegation meant to advance discussions on various cooperative ventures. This includes future visits by Saudi businessmen aimed at exploring investment opportunities in essential sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Syrian government, under increasing pressure to improve ties with regional and Western countries, is eager to foster aid and investment flows in the wake of the lifted sanctions. The leadership is hopeful that these efforts will catalyze the rebuilding process of a country long ravaged by conflict.
In a related development, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Kuwait to foster discussions on economic and political cooperation, marking his first official trip to the Gulf nation. This visit signals a strategic pivot by Syria to rekindle relations with its neighbors and stabilize its economic prospects amidst ongoing challenges.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Qatar in providing financial support to Syria’s state employees marks a notable step towards strengthening economic ties and aiding recovery. While the specifics of the financial backing remain unclear, it reflects a broader trend following recent geopolitical shifts. The support could potentially facilitate the reconstruction of a war-torn nation eager for foreign investments and assistance. As Syria deepens its relations with Gulf states, the leadership seeks a path forward in a complex political landscape.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
