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Saudi Arabia and Qatar to support salaries of Syrian state workers

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia played a role in helping to lift those sanctions and would continue supporting Syria’s recovery.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud attends a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (not pictured), in Damascus, Syria. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia and Qatar will give joint financial support to pay salaries of Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Saturday, according to Reuters.

“The kingdom will provide with Qatar joint financial support to state employees in Syria,” Prince Faisal said during a press conference in Damascus alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. He did not say how much money would be provided. Qatar had earlier agreed to fund parts of Syria’s public sector.

Prince Faisal’s visit to Damascus comes shortly after the United States unexpectedly lifted sanctions on Syria’s Islamist-led government, which replaced former president Bashar al-Assad in December. US President Donald Trump made the decision during a visit to the region, saying it came at the request of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince.

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The European Union has also recently removed its economic sanctions on Syria.

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia played a role in helping to lift those sanctions and would continue supporting Syria’s recovery. “We will remain one of the key partners in Syria’s path towards economic reconstruction,” he said.

He added that he was joined by a senior economic delegation to discuss cooperation in different areas with Syrian officials.

In the coming days, Saudi business representatives will travel to Syria to explore investment opportunities in sectors including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, he said.

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