Syrian - Saudi relations
What has happened since
World Bank arrears cleared in May 2025
The World Bank said Saudi Arabia and Qatar paid approximately $15.5 million in Syrian arrears to the International Development Association, with clearance effective May 12, 2025. The payment restored Syria’s eligibility for new World Bank operations, subject to applicable operational policies. The bank reported that Syria had no remaining outstanding balances on its IDA credits as of that date.[1]
Economic agreements signed in February 2026
Syrian-Saudi agreements signed in Damascus on February 7, 2026, covered aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure and real estate development, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). President Ahmad al-Sharaa attended the signing. SANA also reported that Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih announced the Elaf Investment Fund and said bank-transfer channels between the two countries had been reactivated.[2]
Airport investment announced
Deutsche Welle reported that al-Falih said the fund would commit 7.5 billion Saudi riyals, approximately $2 billion, to developing two airports in Aleppo over multiple phases. That figure represented an announced commitment, not completed investment. According to SANA, the aviation agreements included developing and operating Aleppo International Airport and establishing a low-cost carrier called Nas Syria Airlines.[3][2]
Telecommunications partner selected
SANA reported that Syrian Telecommunications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal identified Saudi telecommunications company STC as the selected partner for the Silk Link project. According to his account, the selection followed a competitive process involving 18 companies.[2]
Water-sector cooperation agreed
The February package also included a memorandum of understanding and a joint development agreement with ACWA Power and the Saudi Water Transmission Company, SANA reported. The water-sector cooperation included plans for seawater desalination.[2]
Foreign ministers met in October 2026
Diplomatic discussions continued on October 16, 2026, when Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh. According to SANA, their talks addressed bilateral relations and regional security and stability.[4]
Sources
- Syria’s Arrears to the World Bank Group Cleared — World Bank, 2025-05-16
- Syria and Saudi Arabia sign strategic economic agreements in Damascus to boost recovery — Syrian Arab News Agency, 2026-02-07
- Syria and Saudi Arabia sign major investment package — Deutsche Welle, with Reuters and AP, 2026-02-07
- Syria, Saudi Arabia discuss strengthening ties and regional stability — Syrian Arab News Agency, 2026-10-16
The original report
ArabicNews.com, September 25, 2000
Syrian - Saudi relations has been always characterized of being always unwavering towards national work efforts, especially manifested in the attempt of the two states' leadership to develop Arab and bilateral relations and in joint coordination in meetings, conferences, Arab and international meetings in issues of concern to the just Arab causes.
Saudi Arabia has always backed Syria's efforts and unwavering stances towards Arab rights and causes especially the question of Palestine and the restoration of the occupied Arab lands including the occupied Golan and has ever voiced backing to Syria's stances to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region, according to international legitimacy resolutions and Madrid conference.
Both Syria and Saudi Arabia have considered the cause of Palestine as the essence of their national work. The supported the Palestinian people in their struggle to restore back their legitimate rights especially the right to return back, self determination and the establishment of their own independent state.
Since 1972, Syria and Saudi Arabia are linked to an economic agreement encouraging the establishment of joint projects and to ensure smooth trade exchange. They seek to develop their projects through the meetings of the joint Syrian- Saudi higher committee which are held periodically in the two countries capitals with the aim to discuss bilateral relations and finding out appropriate solutions to them as well as increasing scientific, cultural and trade exchange.
In 1997, value of Syrian exports to Saudi Arabia reached 602 million Riyals, mainly livestock, fruits, vegetables textiles and furniture while cost of Saudi exports to Syria reached 262 million Riyals, especially crude oil and its by products, plant oil and dates. The volume of Saudi private investments in Syria is estimated at a cost of US $ 700 million and number of joint projects is estimated at 50.
Commodities produced in the two states enjoy tax and custom exemptions upon exportation to another country.