Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to jointly settle Syria’s outstanding arrears of approximately $15 million to the World Bank Group, according to a joint statement published by the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.
The payment is a significant step toward unlocking millions of dollars in grants and assistance aimed at supporting Syria’s battered public sector and war-damaged infrastructure. Under World Bank rules, countries must clear all arrears before they are eligible to receive new grants or financing.
Syria, grappling with severe economic difficulties and a critical shortage of foreign currency, had been unable to pay off the debt. A previous plan to use frozen Syrian assets abroad to cover the arrears failed to materialize, according to individuals familiar with the discussions.
World Bank officials have been in talks about providing financial support to help rebuild Syria’s power grid, which has been devastated by more than a decade of conflict. Assistance would also extend to stabilizing Syria’s crippled public sector by funding salaries and other essential services, sources said.
The agreement between Riyadh and Doha marks a rare moment of Arab cooperation on Syria, which has been largely isolated on the international stage since the onset of the civil war in 2011. It also signals growing efforts by regional powers to take a more active role in Syria’s gradual reintegration into global financial and diplomatic networks.
Although the settlement of arrears does not guarantee immediate aid, it clears a critical procedural hurdle. Any further financial assistance would still require approval by the World Bank’s executive board and coordination with international stakeholders.
The development comes as Syria continues to face a humanitarian crisis, with large parts of its infrastructure destroyed, millions displaced, and public services on the verge of collapse. International financial institutions and aid organizations have stressed that targeted funding for critical sectors like energy and public services is vital for any long-term stabilization efforts.
Further details on the payment timeline and subsequent World Bank initiatives are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
