Syria regains World Bank funding after Saudi Arabia and Qatar pay $15.5 million debt
The unpaid amount, owed to the International Development Association (IDA) — the World Bank’s fund for the poorest nations — was fully settled by May 12, reopening Syria’s eligibility for new projects, the bank said in a statement.
“As of May 12, 2025, there are no outstanding IDA credit balances for the Syrian Arab Republic,” the statement read, adding that any future cooperation will depend on Syria meeting World Bank policies.
This development came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced at the 2025 Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh that he would lift “brutal and crippling” US sanctions on Syria, which had been imposed before the fall of the Assad regime.
The day after Trump’s announcement, he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia — marking the first meeting between the two countries’ leaders in 25 years.
Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party’s long-standing control since 1963.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 bi...
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta....
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.&nbs...
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelli...
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing ...
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelling debate over influence, trust, and politics.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as “El Jardinero”, a senior commander of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the western state of Nayarit, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said on Monday (27 April).
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.
Reversing a decade of restrictions, New South Wales has opened new areas for gas exploration in its remote west. The move reflects growing concern over future energy supply across Australia’s east coast.
Travel demand across China is expected to remain robust during the upcoming five-day Labour Day holiday starting 1 May.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 29th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Mali’s military leader, Assimi Goita, has said the situation is “under control” in his first public remarks since a wave of coordinated attacks shook the country last weekend.
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