Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to settle Syria's $15 million arrears with the World Bank, allowing the institution to resume grants for the country's reconstruction and support for its public sector.
This move marks Saudi Arabia's first known financial involvement with Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. It is seen as a step toward Gulf Arab support for Syria, which had been delayed due to concerns over U.S. sanctions.
The countries also called for international financial institutions to resume operations in Syria, helping the country access funds for key developmental sectors.
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and discussing key regional issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to help Syria by supplying electricity, paying off Syria’s World Bank debts, and providing financial support to cover public sector salaries for three months.
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
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nuclear deal
Saudi Arabia has privately urged Iran to swiftly accept a nuclear agreement proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that delays could trigger an Israeli military strike and plunge the region into deeper conflict, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
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