### Saudi Arabia and Qatar Step Up to Support Syria's Economic Recovery In a significant move to aid Syria's recovery from years of civil war, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged to pay off approximately $15 million in debt owed by Syria to the World Bank. This decision comes as the new government in Damascus seeks to rebuild the war-torn economy and re-establish ties with international financial institutions. The commitment from these Gulf states marks a pivotal moment in Syria's efforts to regain financial support and stability after over a decade of conflict and economic isolation. The announcement was made through a joint statement from the finance ministries of both countries, highlighting their role as key backers of Syria's new leadership following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-qatar-syria-debt.html][https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saudi-arabia-qatar-to-pay-back-syrias-debt-to-world-bank-101745788871139.html]. ### Breakdown of the Situation and Implications 1. **Debt Settlement**: Saudi Arabia and Qatar will cover Syria's $15 million debt to the World Bank, which has been in arrears for over 14 years due to the ongoing conflict [https://www.rt.com/news/616422-saudi-arabia-qatar-syria-debt]. 2. **Rebuilding Efforts**: The payment is expected to facilitate Syria's access to World Bank support, which has been suspended since the onset of the civil war. This could unlock vital financial resources for reconstruction and development [https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/04/28/saudi-arabia-and-qatar-to-repay-syrias-debts-to-the-world-bank]. 3. **Regional Cooperation**: The agreement reflects a broader trend of regional cooperation among Gulf states, particularly in supporting the new Syrian government as it seeks to stabilize and rebuild the nation [https://www.nation.com.pk/28-Apr-2025/saudi-arabia-qatar-to-settle-syria-s-world-bank-debt]. 4. **International Relations**: This move is part of a larger diplomatic effort by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to re-establish relations with Syria, which had been largely isolated from the international community during the Assad regime [https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/saudi-arabia-qatar-say-theyll-pay-back-syrias-debt-to-world-bank]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Debt Amount**: The total debt owed by Syria to the World Bank is approximately **$15 million** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/27/saudi-arabia-qatar-to-settle-syrias-outstanding-debt-to-world-bank]. - **Duration of Suspension**: The World Bank has suspended operations in Syria for over **14 years** due to the civil war, which began in 2011 [https://www.financial-world.org/news/news/financial/28118/saudi-arabia-and-qatar-agree-to-pay-off-syria-s-15-million-debt-to-the-world-bank]. - **Impact on Reconstruction**: Settling this debt is crucial for Syria to regain access to international financial support, which is essential for rebuilding critical infrastructure and reviving the economy [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-27/saudi-arabia-qatar-to-pay-syria-s-world-bank-debt-unlocking-funds]. ### Conclusion: A Path Forward for Syria In summary, the commitment by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to pay off Syria's World Bank debt is a **critical step** towards revitalizing the country's economy and re-establishing its standing in the international community. This action not only alleviates a significant financial burden but also opens the door for renewed support from international financial institutions, which is essential for Syria's reconstruction efforts. 1. **Debt Settlement**: Saudi Arabia and Qatar will pay $15 million to the World Bank. 2. **Rebuilding Access**: This payment will enable Syria to access World Bank support after a 14-year hiatus. 3. **Regional Dynamics**: The move signifies a shift in regional cooperation and support for Syria's new leadership. 4. **Future Prospects**: The resolution of this debt is expected to facilitate further financial assistance and investment in Syria's recovery [https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/saudi-arabia-and-qatar-to-pay-back-syrias-debt-to-the-world-bank][https://www.gulfnews.com/business/banking/saudi-arabia-qatar-settle-syrias-world-bank-arrears-with-15m-payment-1.500107600].