From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-27 14:28:00

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to pay Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, paving the way for the international institution to resume support for the war-torn country. The move follows the fall of Bashar Assad’s government in December, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar backing Syria’s new leadership. The cost to rebuild Syria is estimated at $250-400 billion.

The payment of Syria’s debt will allow the World Bank to resume support and activities in Syria after a 14-year hiatus. This will enable Syria to receive vital funds for key sectors. Qatar has already begun supplying Syria with natural gas through Jordan to address electricity shortages. Western sanctions remain a barrier to development projects in Syria.

The Trump administration has not recognized the new Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa of HTS. Western sanctions targeting Assad’s government and officials remain in place, but some restrictions have been eased. The EU has lifted some energy and transport sanctions against Syria, while the UK has lifted sanctions against several Syrian entities, including government departments and media outlets.



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