Damascus: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan announced that Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Qatar, will provide joint financial support for public sector employees in Syria. This announcement was made during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.

According to Anadolu Agency, the financial aid initiative follows the two countries' previous contribution to covering Syria's arrears at the World Bank Group, which amounted to $15 million. Bin Farhan emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria, stating that it will aid in reviving the economy and positively impact the living conditions of the Syrian people. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria in its reconstruction and economic recovery efforts.

The collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties and enhance cooperation in various fields, including economy and energy, as highlighted by Asaad al-Shaibani. The Syrian minister expressed gratitude towards Saudi Arabia for its support and noted that lifting sanctions marks the beginning of revitalizing services for Syrian citizens. Recently, Syria signed an agreement with international companies to secure gas for power generation, showcasing steps towards economic recovery.

A significant $7 billion energy investment agreement was signed in Syria with Turkish conglomerates, Qatar-based UCC, and US-based Power International. Al-Shaibani highlighted the importance of economic sovereignty and the robust partnership between Syria and Saudi Arabia, underlining shared interests in the region's development.

The visit of the Saudi foreign minister to Damascus, accompanied by a high-level economic delegation, signifies a pivotal step in shaping future economic and investment relations between the two nations. The delegation included key Saudi economic and investment officials and marked a continuation of normalized relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria after years of diplomatic separation.

The political landscape in Syria has also seen significant changes, with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa assuming leadership for a transitional period following the ousting of Assad. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and economic collaborations signal a progressive shift in the region's approach towards rebuilding and fostering international partnerships.