In a significant diplomatic and economic development, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced in Damascus that the Kingdom will take a leading role in supporting Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery after over a decade of conflict.

Standing beside his Syrian counterpart, Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, Prince Faisal unveiled a joint Saudi-Qatari initiative to fund salaries for public sector employees in Syria

#Damascus | President of the Syrian Arab Republic H.E. Ahmed Al-Sharaa receives HH Foreign Minister Prince @FaisalbinFarhan and the accompanying High-Level Economic Delegation. pic.twitter.com/6JKZBwCkWQ

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 31, 2025

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He described the effort as a sign of deeper cooperation and a new phase in relations between the Gulf and Syria. “Saudi Arabia will remain one of the leading countries standing beside Syria in its journey of reconstruction and economic revival,” said Prince Faisal during a joint press conference.

The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision—made during a visit to Riyadh—to lift long-standing economic sanctions on Syria

Trump meets Syrian President al-Sharaa at Al Yamamah Palace — with Saudi’s Crown Prince MBS overseeing the historic sit-down 🤝
This comes right after the U.S. lifted sanctions on Syria… and yep, it all happened right here in Saudi 💥

#lovinriyadh pic.twitter.com/dgXSqBF7wz

— Lovin Riyadh (@lovinriyadh) May 14, 2025

During the visit, Prince Faisal also led a high-level Saudi economic delegation, meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to discuss investment opportunities. He later visited the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with Minister Al-Shibani, where both officials performed prayers.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Al-Shibani expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for playing a key role in lobbying for the lifting of U.S. sanctions, describing the move as “instrumental” in opening the door to economic normalization

He also confirmed that the two nations are entering a “strong phase of joint investment and cooperation,” with a focus on infrastructure projects, agriculture, and job creation. As part of this growing partnership, Saudi investors are expected to visit Damascus soon, with talks underway on potential trade and development deals.

In another major step, Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly paid off Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, signaling strong financial commitment and trust-building between the Gulf and Syria.

With the lifting of sanctions and support from Gulf allies, Syria is looking to rejoin regional economic systems, rebuild its infrastructure, and stabilize its economy—starting with civil service pay and essential development projects.