**Saudi Arabia and Qatar Commit Financial Support for Syrian State Employees**

In a significant move to bolster Syria's economic recovery, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged joint financial support for state employees in Syria. This announcement was made by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during a recent press conference held in Damascus alongside his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani.

Prince Faisal emphasized the Kingdom's dedication to aiding Syria in its path toward reconstruction and economic revitalization. He highlighted ongoing efforts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, underlining Saudi Arabia's role as a steadfast supporter in this process. The minister was accompanied by a high-level economic delegation during his visit, indicating the seriousness of their engagement.

Furthering the initiative, Prince Faisal revealed that Saudi businessmen would soon visit Syria to explore investment opportunities in various sectors including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen bilateral relations and drive significant improvements in Syria's living conditions and overall stability.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that both Saudi Arabia and Qatar reiterated their commitment to supporting Syria's stability and development. Emphasizing their shared historical ties with the Syrian people, the two nations aimed to work in coordination with the international community and development partners, fostering a comprehensive and unified vision for sustainable support.

During his visit, Prince Faisal and Al-Shaibani also toured the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Additionally, Prince Faisal met with interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to discuss ways to support Syria's economy and reinforce institutional development.

The international context has been shifting favorably for Syria. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, a decision aimed at facilitating economic recovery. The European Union has followed suit by lifting its economic sanctions on the nation.

In a related development, Saudi Arabia and Qatar recently agreed to settle Syria's debt to the World Bank, which amounts to approximately $15 million. This financial support is expected to play a crucial role in Syria's reconstruction efforts.

A United Nations Development Programme report estimated that Syria's conflict from 2011 to 2024 resulted in a loss of GDP amounting to around $800 billion. The lifting of sanctions and robust international support are seen as vital steps toward rebuilding the war-torn country.

Prince Faisal's visit, which follows his initial engagement with Syria's new authorities in January, marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to stabilize and revive Syria's economy.