Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Saturday for important economic talks with Syrian officials. He was welcomed by Syria’s interim foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
This visit is meant to discuss how Saudi Arabia can support the rebuilding of Syria’s economy, which has been badly affected by years of war.
Saudi Arabia now supports Syria’s new leadership, which came to power in December 2024 after Bashar al-Assad was removed. The visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent promise to lift economic sanctions on Syria, raising hopes for recovery.
Prince Faisal is leading a high-level Saudi team and will meet with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The discussions will focus on financial cooperation and rebuilding Syrian institutions. A joint press conference will be held later.
Earlier in February, President Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia, and in April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed to pay Syria’s $15 million World Bank debt.
Despite these efforts, Syria’s economy remains weak. A UN report says the country lost $800 billion in GDP from 2011 to 2024 due to war and sanctions. This is Prince Faisal’s second visit to Syria in 2025, showing Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in regional peace and development.
