The Saudi Fund for Development is exploring support for health and education in Syria
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the renewal of joint Arab cooperation, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, paid an important official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, during which he met with a number of ministers and officials in the Syrian government to discuss ways to enhance development cooperation and support vital projects in the country.
High-level meetings in Damascus
The visit included a series of intensive meetings, during which the Saudi envoy met with Syrian Finance Minister Dr. Muhammad Yasser Barnieh, Health Minister Dr. Musab Al-Ali, and Education Minister Dr. Muhammad Abdul Rahman Turko. These discussions took place in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Syrian Arab Republic, Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel, lending a high level of diplomatic significance to these development initiatives and underscoring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting the stability and prosperity of its sister nations.
Dimensions of the visit and its regional implications
This visit is of exceptional importance as it comes at a crucial time, witnessing a growth in bilateral relations between Riyadh and Damascus following the resumption of diplomatic ties and Syria's return to the Arab fold. The significance of these discussions extends beyond the technical and financial aspects, representing a clear message of support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Syria's recovery efforts, particularly in sectors that directly impact the lives of Syrian citizens.
Focus on key sectors
During their bilateral meetings, the two sides discussed available development cooperation opportunities to support various development sectors in Syria. The focus on the health, education, and finance sectors stems from the urgent need to rehabilitate the infrastructure in these vital areas, which has been affected in recent years. These discussions aim to establish frameworks that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and providing essential services of a quality befitting the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.
A long history of developmental contributions
These initiatives are part of the Saudi Fund for Development's ongoing development activities, which boast a distinguished track record of over 50 years of contributions worldwide. Since its establishment in 1974, the Fund has made pioneering development contributions in more than 100 developing countries, supporting and financing over 800 development projects and programs across various sectors.
The value of these aid and funding exceeded $22 billion, which effectively contributed to achieving a sustainable development impact in the beneficiary countries and enhancing their opportunities for economic and social growth, a role that the Kingdom seeks to complete today by extending bridges of development cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic.
