Saudi Foreign Minister Visits Damascus for Talks on Supporting Syria's Economy
The Saudi delegation, which includes senior economic officials, is expected to engage in wide-ranging discussions with Syrian counterparts on avenues of cooperation aimed at revitalizing Syria’s devastated economy and rebuilding state institutions.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Saturday, heading a high-level economic delegation for talks aimed at supporting Syria’s war-ravaged economy, according to a report from Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The visit marks a significant step in deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria’s new leadership, who came to power after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, following nearly 14 years of civil war.
Prince Faisal was received at Damascus International Airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. According to a statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the two top diplomats are scheduled to hold a joint press conference later today.
The Saudi delegation, which includes senior economic officials, is expected to engage in wide-ranging discussions with Syrian counterparts on avenues of cooperation aimed at revitalizing Syria’s devastated economy and rebuilding state institutions.
A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that Prince Faisal will also meet with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the visit, emphasizing the Kingdom's support for Syria’s institutional development and economic stabilization efforts.
The high-profile visit follows Syrian interim President Sharaa’s trip to Riyadh in February — his first foreign visit since assuming office. It also comes in the wake of a joint announcement last month by Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledging to settle Syria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank, estimated at roughly $15 million.
Syria’s leadership has expressed optimism that the lifting of international sanctions, particularly by the United States, will unlock broader international financial assistance. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in Riyadh his intention to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria — a decision widely interpreted as a green light for renewed international engagement with the war-torn country.
Syria’s economy, infrastructure, and industrial base have been severely damaged by more than a decade of war and sanctions. A recent report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimated the country’s cumulative lost GDP between 2011 and 2024 at approximately $800 billion.
Prince Faisal’s latest visit is his second to Syria’s new authorities, following a preliminary trip in January. The renewed Saudi engagement signals Riyadh’s commitment to playing a leading role in Syria’s post-war recovery and regional reintegration.
