In a move reflecting the development of bilateral relations and the trend toward strengthening joint Arab action, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, paid an important official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday. Al-Murshid held a series of intensive meetings with a number of ministers and officials in the Syrian government, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Syria, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, to discuss prospects for future development cooperation.
The meetings included discussions with the Minister of Electricity, Engineer Muhammad al-Bashir (referred to as the Minister of Energy in general terms), the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Head of the Higher Relief Committee (responsible for emergency relief), or other relevant disaster management bodies, as well as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Iyad al-Khatib (or Abdul Salam Haikal, depending on the context of the original report and subsequent updates to the ministerial portfolios). The discussions focused on exploring vital opportunities for cooperation aimed at supporting key development sectors in the Syrian Arab Republic, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Context of the return of relations and economic cooperation
This visit comes at a new stage in Saudi-Syrian relations, following the resumption of diplomatic ties and the reopening of embassies, steps that paved the way for renewed coordination on economic and development issues. This move is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's broader approach to supporting regional stability and contributing to the economic recovery efforts of brotherly nations, particularly those whose infrastructure has been damaged by crises and wars.
Importance of targeted sectors
The focus on the energy, emergency management, and communications sectors is of paramount importance in the current Syrian landscape. Electricity and energy infrastructure is the lifeblood for restarting factories and revitalizing the economy, while the communications sector represents the gateway to digital transformation and service modernization. Disaster and emergency management is a fundamental pillar for strengthening the capacity of Syrian institutions to respond to humanitarian and natural crises, particularly in the aftermath of the recent earthquake that struck the region.
History of the Saudi Fund for Development
It is worth noting that the Saudi Fund for Development has a long and distinguished track record in international development work since its establishment in 1974. The Fund has made tangible development contributions in more than 100 developing countries worldwide, financing and supporting over 800 development projects and programs across various vital sectors. The value of these contributions exceeds $22 billion, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing opportunities for economic and social growth in beneficiary countries – a role the Fund looks forward to playing in Syria in the coming phase.
