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.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Saturday that Riyadh and Doha will jointly extend financial assistance to support state employees in Syria, marking a significant shift in regional engagement with Damascus.
"The kingdom will provide with Qatar joint financial support to state employees in Syria," Bin Farhan stated at a press conference in Damascus alongside his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shibani. While specific figures were not disclosed, the move mirrors earlier Qatari efforts to underwrite Syria’s public sector wages.
The announcement comes just weeks after the United States unexpectedly lifted economic sanctions on Syria’s Islamist-led government, which came to power following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad in December. U.S. President Donald Trump, during his recent Middle East visit, credited the decision to a request by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose country has been a strong advocate for re-engaging with Damascus.
The European Union also recently lifted its economic sanctions on Syria, further opening the door for regional powers to assist the war-torn nation’s recovery.
Prince Faisal emphasized Saudi Arabia’s instrumental role in lobbying for the easing of international restrictions on Syria and reaffirmed Riyadh’s long-term commitment to supporting the country’s reconstruction and economic revival.
He also revealed that he was accompanied by a high-level Saudi economic delegation in Damascus for talks aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. "Several visits will follow in the coming days by Saudi businessmen to Syria to discuss investments in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors," he said.
The financial support initiative and accompanying visits mark a new chapter in Saudi-Syrian relations and reflect a broader regional shift toward reintegrating Syria into the Arab and international community after years of isolation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus ...
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation ta...
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously -...
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Sat...
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation targeting Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously - one focused on immigration and national identity, the other held in support of Palestinians and to mark Nakba Day.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment