DAMASCUS: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Saturday that the Kingdom, in cooperation with Qatar, will offer joint financial support for state employees in Syria, as part of broader efforts to assist the country’s economic recovery.
The announcement came during a joint press conference in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, who welcomed Prince Faisal and his delegation to the Syrian capital.
“The Kingdom will provide, with Qatar, joint financial support to state employees in Syria,” Prince Faisal said, emphasizing ongoing discussions between the two nations to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation.
He added that Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting Syria’s reconstruction and economic development and noted the Kingdom’s role in advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions on the country.
Accompanying Prince Faisal was a high-level Saudi economic delegation tasked with holding talks aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. He also announced that several visits by Saudi businessmen to Syria are planned in the coming days, focusing on potential investments in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and other key areas.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Syria’s stability and development. The two nations underscored their historical and fraternal ties with the Syrian people and emphasized the importance of improving living conditions and promoting long-term economic and social stability.
Both countries also expressed a willingness to work closely with the international community and development partners to ensure that support is delivered through a coordinated and sustainable approach.
As part of his visit, Prince Faisal toured the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and held talks with interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The Saudi delegation also met with Syrian officials to explore opportunities for institutional development and economic support.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced during a visit to Riyadh that the United States would lift economic sanctions on Syria a move expected to facilitate international engagement in Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The European Union also recently lifted its sanctions on the country.
In February, President Al-Sharaa made his first official foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, signaling warming relations between the two nations. Last month, Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledged to settle Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank.
Syria’s economy has been severely impacted by over a decade of conflict and international sanctions. A recent UN Development Programme report estimated the country’s lost GDP from 2011 to 2024 at approximately $800 billion.
Prince Faisal had previously visited Syria’s new authorities in January as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
