Pakistan, Afghanistan agreed on continuing ceasefire, Türkiye says
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to continue their ceasefire following several days of negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, a...
Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to pay off Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
This move could open the door for significant grants aimed at Syria’s reconstruction and public sector revitalization, marking the first known instance of Saudi financial support to Syria since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad last year.
The plan, which has not been previously disclosed, could signal a shift in Gulf Arab countries' stance toward Syria, with support possibly beginning to materialize after prior initiatives—such as Qatar’s plan to fund salaries—were stalled due to uncertainties over U.S. sanctions. Last month, Qatar also announced plans to supply gas to Syria via Jordan to improve its power grid, a move that reportedly received U.S. approval.
While the Saudi Ministry of Finance declined to comment on the matter, a spokesperson stated, "We do not comment on speculation, but make announcements if and when they become official." Neither the Saudi government’s media office, the World Bank, nor Syrian officials responded immediately to requests for further comment.
The World Bank had previously withheld aid to Syria due to its outstanding debts. However, the payment of these arrears is a crucial step toward securing international financing for rebuilding critical infrastructure, including Syria’s war-torn power grid, and supporting the country’s public sector, sources noted.
Syria’s financial difficulties are compounded by a severe shortage of foreign currency, and a prior plan to pay off the debts using frozen assets abroad failed to come to fruition. This development could mark a turning point for Syria, which has struggled to access international aid following years of conflict and sanctions.
In a related move, Syria is set to send a high-level delegation to the U.S. for the World Bank and IMF’s annual spring meetings later this month, marking the first visit by Syrian officials to the U.S. since Assad’s removal from power. However, it remains unclear whether the delegation will meet with any U.S. officials, given the continuation of tough sanctions against Syria.
The U.S. has issued some limited sanctions relief in the past, such as a six-month exemption for humanitarian aid, but overall engagement with Syria’s new leadership has been minimal. There remains a split within the White House regarding Syria, with some officials advocating a hardline approach, citing the new government’s previous ties to Al-Qaeda as a reason for limited engagement.
Despite the ongoing sanctions, Saudi Arabia’s potential intervention could be a critical factor in helping Syria recover from years of devastation, with the World Bank’s involvement contingent upon the resolution of the debt issue.
Nokia announced on Tuesday that chipmaker Nvidia will acquire a $1 billion stake in the company.
The deadliest police operation in Brazil's history killed at least 132 people, officials said on Wednesday, after Rio de Janeiro residents lined a street with dozens of corpses collected overnight, a week ahead of global climate events in the city.
Centrist liberal party D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, has made sweeping gains in the Dutch election, emerging neck and neck with Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV) in early results — a stunning reversal just two years after D66 ranked sixth.
Reliable sources have confirmed to AnewZ that the United States has asked Azerbaijan to join a Stabilisation Force in Gaza, as part of a proposed international mission to secure the territory.
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed with President Xi Jinping to trim tariffs on China in exchange for Beijing cracking down on the illicit fentanyl trade, Trump said.
Russia launched a large-scale overnight barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, killing six people — including a seven-year-old girl — and prompting nationwide power restrictions, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to continue their ceasefire following several days of negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, according to a joint statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Thursday (October 30).
Britain’s King Charles has formally moved to strip his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of all remaining royal titles, styles, and honours, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday (October 30).
Argentina has boosted security along its border with Brazil following a large-scale police operation against the Comando Vermelho gang in Rio de Janeiro, which has reportedly left more than 100 people dead since it began on Tuesday.
Sudan has called on the international community to hold the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accountable for mass killings of patients and medical staff in Al-Fashir, North Darfur.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment