Saudi Arabia and Qatar have announced plans to provide financial support to state employees in Syria. This announcement was made by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud during a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Damascus on Saturday.
While the exact amount of support has not been disclosed, it follows a previous commitment from Qatar to provide $29 million per month for three months to help pay the salaries of public sector workers in Syria. This initiative has reportedly received backing from the United States, coinciding with a broader shift in U.S. policy towards Syria, including the lifting of sanctions that had been in place for years.
In mid-May, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also settled Syria’s debt to the World Bank, which amounted to about $15 million. This move has allowed the World Bank to resume operations in Syria after a 14-year hiatus, with plans to focus on improving electricity access, a crucial aspect of rebuilding the country’s infrastructure.
The Syrian government, now led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is actively working to restore diplomatic ties and reassure international partners of its commitment to stability and rebuilding. Despite ongoing violence and challenges, the government is making efforts to engage with Gulf Arab states, which are becoming key players in financing Syria’s recovery.
The European Union recently lifted most economic sanctions on Syria, further aiding the country’s reintegration into the global economy. This change comes after a significant shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, who has also met with Syrian leaders and removed a reward for the capture of al-Sharaa.
However, challenges remain. A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme highlights that the economic recovery will take decades, with many Syrians living in poverty and unemployment rates high. The country’s economy is still struggling to regain its pre-war levels, which were significantly impacted by the years of conflict.
As Saudi Arabia and Qatar step in to provide much-needed support, the future of Syria’s recovery will depend on continued international cooperation and investment.