Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to pay off Syria’s outstanding debt of about $15 million to the World Bank, according to a joint announcement by both countries.
The move is set to reopen the flow of international aid and boost reconstruction efforts in Syria’s badly damaged public sector.
The agreement was revealed after earlier reports suggested a deal was being discussed. It marks the first time Saudi Arabia has agreed to finance projects for Syria since the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad last year. The development signals a possible shift in Gulf Arab backing for Syria after years of hesitation tied to concerns over US sanctions and political instability.
The two nations confirmed that clearing Syria’s debt would allow the World Bank Group to restart operations in the country, ending a suspension that lasted more than fourteen years. Access to new funding could soon follow, offering a much-needed boost to sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education that have been left in ruins after years of conflict.
In their statement, Saudi Arabia and Qatar called on global and regional financial institutions to return to Syria and ramp up development programs. They stressed the importance of rebuilding Syria’s key systems to help stabilize the nation.
The World Bank requires all arrears to be cleared before it can issue grants or approve financial help. Syria’s unpaid debt had blocked such support for years, stalling much of the country’s recovery efforts.
With this latest move, Syria could soon benefit from fresh funding that might begin to rebuild basic services and revive its economy. The gesture also shows a growing willingness among Gulf states to engage more actively in Syria’s future.