Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Qatar have jointly announced the payment of Syria’s outstanding arrears to the World Bank Group, totaling approximately $15 million, as part of efforts to accelerate the recovery of the Syrian economy.

The move follows discussions held during the Syria Roundtable on the sidelines of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The payment will allow the World Bank to resume its support and activities in Syria after a 14-year hiatus. It will also enable Syria to receive new allocations to support urgent sectors, alongside technical assistance aimed at rebuilding institutions, strengthening capacity, and supporting policy development and reform to drive economic growth.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar called on international and regional financial institutions to quickly resume and expand development activities in Syria and to unite efforts in supporting the Syrian people's aspirations for a stable and prosperous future, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.