One of the richest countries in the world wants to pay the debts of another country: “We make announcements, if and when they become official”
The interim president of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa. Photo: Ozan Kose / AFP / Profimedia
Saudi Arabia intends to pay Syria's debts to the World Bank, three people familiar with this matter, opening the way for approving millions of dollars for reconstruction and supporting the paralyzed public sector of the country, reports Reuters.
It would be the first known case in which Saudi Arabia offers Syria funding since the rebels led by Islamists removed the former leader Bashar al-Assad last year.
It can also be a sign that the crucial support of the Arab Golf countries for Syria begins to materialize after previous plans, including a Doha initiative to finance wages, have been blocked by the uncertainty about US sanctions.
Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria Gaz through Jordan to improve the poor electricity supply of the country, an initiative that, according to sources quoted by Reuters, received Washington's approval.
A spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Finance told Reuters: “We do not comment on speculation, but we make announcements, if and when they become official.”
The Press Office of the Saudi Government, a spokesman for the World Bank and a Syrian government official did not respond immediately to commentary requests, reports Reuters.
Syria has debts of about $ 15 million to the World Bank, which must be paid before the international financial institution can approve subsidies and provide other forms of assistance.
