Saudi Arabia Pledges Lead Role in Syria’s Reconstruction, Launches Joint Economic Initiative with Qatar
Damascus, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed on Saturday that the Kingdom will take a leading role in supporting Syria’s post-war reconstruction and economic recovery, marking a pivotal moment in regional cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Damascus alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, Prince Faisal announced the launch of a Saudi-Qatari initiative to fund salaries for Syrian public sector employees, describing the move as part of a “new phase of bilateral economic cooperation.”
“Saudi Arabia will remain one of the leading countries standing beside Syria in its journey of reconstruction and economic revival,” said Prince Faisal.
The announcement comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria, a move widely seen as a catalyst for long-awaited recovery efforts after more than a decade of conflict.
Renewed Regional Engagement
Prince Faisal’s high-level visit included a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and a symbolic stop at the Umayyad Mosque, where he and Al-Shibani performed prayers together — signaling a significant thaw in diplomatic relations and growing regional solidarity.
Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shibani extended his government’s “deep gratitude” to the Kingdom, stating:
“Saudi Arabia’s efforts in lobbying for the lifting of U.S. sanctions were instrumental in opening the door to economic normalization.”
Al-Shibani further highlighted plans for broad-based cooperation, including infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural renewal, and job creation as Syria attempts to rebuild from the ruins of a war that claimed over 500,000 lives and devastated the economy.
Key Financial Commitments
In a major financial gesture, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have jointly paid off Syria’s outstanding $15 million debt to the World Bank, underscoring the depth of commitment to Damascus’ reintegration into global and regional financial systems.
Saudi officials also revealed that investment delegations will travel to Damascus in the coming weeks, with discussions underway on trade, investment, and development partnerships across multiple sectors.
Path to Recovery
According to a February report by the United Nations, Syria’s cumulative GDP losses from the conflict exceed $800 billion. The lifting of sanctions, which were initially imposed in response to the Assad regime’s crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011, opens the door for international engagement and access to global markets.
With Gulf nations leading the charge, Syria is hoping to accelerate its reintegration into regional economic frameworks — beginning with tangible support for civil servants and early-stage investment in public services.
As regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar take concrete steps to rebuild trust and capacity in Syria, observers view the moment as a possible turning point in the country’s long and painful road to recovery.
