In a move reflecting the developing bilateral relations between Riyadh and Damascus, 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 several Syrian ministers and officials, including the Minister of Electricity, Engineer Muhammad Al-Bashir, the Minister of Local Administration and Environment (responsible for emergency and disaster management), Raed Al-Saleh, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Abdul Salam Heikal. These discussions took place in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, lending a high-level diplomatic dimension to these development initiatives.
Dimensions of the visit and the context of the restoration of relations
This visit is of exceptional importance as it comes within the context of a new phase of Arab openness towards Syria, and as the culmination of the process of resuming diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic. These talks are a strong indication of the transition in relations from a phase of political and diplomatic normalization to one of tangible economic and developmental cooperation, especially after the resumption of diplomatic missions and the appointment of ambassadors between the two countries, and Syria's return to its seat in the League of Arab States.
The nature of the ministerial portfolios covered by the meetings (energy, communications, disaster management) indicates that both sides are focusing on vital sectors that affect the core of daily life and the economy, and which need significant support for rehabilitation and development after years of crises that have affected the infrastructure in Syria.
Opportunities for cooperation and support for sustainable development
During the meetings, the two sides discussed vital opportunities for development cooperation, as the Saudi Fund for Development seeks to explore optimal ways to support various development sectors in Syria. This comes within the framework of the Fund's development activities aimed at financing projects that contribute to improving living conditions and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as supporting development initiatives that enhance economic and social stability.
The leading role of the Saudi Fund for Development
This visit underscores the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its development arm, the Saudi Fund for Development, in supporting Arab, Islamic, and developing countries worldwide. Since its establishment in 1974, the Fund has made significant development contributions in more than 100 developing countries.
Official data indicates that the Fund has supported and financed more than 800 development projects and programs in diverse sectors such as health, education, transportation, water, and energy, with a total value exceeding $22 billion. These projects aim to create a sustainable development impact that enhances opportunities for economic and social growth in beneficiary countries, which is what both sides aspire to achieve in Syria in the coming phase.
