Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Provide Financial Support to Syria’s State Employees
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial aid to Syrian state employees over three months, as announced by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud during a press conference. This support follows a previous contribution aimed at the country’s public sector and comes after sanctions were lifted by the U.S. and EU. Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a key ally in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Saudi officials announced this weekend that the kingdom, in partnership with Qatar, would be providing financial aid to state employees in Syria. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Saudi Foreign Minister, confirmed the arrangement during a press conference in Damascus alongside Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani. Specifics about the amount have not been disclosed, but it appears to follow Qatar’s earlier endeavors to support Syria’s public sector financially.
A joint release from Saudi Arabia and Qatar indicated that this financial assistance would be distributed over a span of three months. This announcement comes on the heels of their contribution in April to settle Syria’s past debts, amounting to approximately $15 million owed to the World Bank.
Bin Farhan’s visit is convenient timing after the U.S. recently lifted sanctions on the Syrian government, which had previously removed former President Bashar al-Assad in December. President Donald Trump made headlines for this move during a Middle East visit, stating the decision was pushed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been a notable advocate for these sanctions’ removal. The European Union has followed suit, also easing its sanctions against Syria.
Bin Farhan reiterated Saudi Arabia’s dedication to aiding Syria’s economic recovery, asserting it would remain a primary supporter of the country during its reconstruction. Accompanying him was a high-level economic delegation, aimed at fostering cooperation on various fronts during their talks.
In the upcoming days, multiple Saudi business representatives are expected to visit Syria, focusing on potential investments across agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and more. This initiative aligns with Syria’s goal of reinforcing its relationships with both Arab and Western nations since the political upheaval caused by the rise of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Kuwait soon, as confirmed by Syrian state news agency SANA. He is expected to meet with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah to discuss joint economic and political cooperation. This trip marks Sharaa’s inaugural official visit to Kuwait, highlighting Syria’s pursuit of international collaboration.
In summary, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are stepping up to lend financial support to Syrian state employees, with the commitment expected to last three months. This follows a pattern of earlier contributions aimed at assisting Syria’s public sector and rebuilding efforts post-conflict. As Syria seeks to bolster ties with regional players and attract investment, these developments signify a critical shift in the nation’s economic recovery strategy.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
