The head of the Saudi Fund for Development discusses cooperation in Damascus
In a move reflecting the strengthening of fraternal ties and joint Arab cooperation, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, paid an important official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday. Al-Murshid held a series of high-level meetings with several Syrian government officials, including Minister of Energy, Engineer Muhammad Al-Bashir, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al-Saleh, and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Heikal. These discussions took place in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, lending a high-level diplomatic dimension to these development initiatives.
Prospects for cooperation in infrastructure sectors
Discussions during these meetings focused on exploring vital opportunities for development cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Syria. Both sides emphasized ways to support key development sectors that directly impact the lives of Syrian citizens, particularly in the areas of energy, communications, and emergency response. These discussions are part of the Saudi Fund for Development's efforts to actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and to support initiatives that will rehabilitate infrastructure and enhance economic and social stability in Syria.
The context of growing Saudi-Syrian relations
This visit is particularly significant as it comes amidst growing bilateral relations between Riyadh and Damascus and a renewed dynamism in joint Arab action. The presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ambassador, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, at these meetings underscores the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Syria's stability and prosperity. These steps represent a practical implementation of political directives aimed at activating the role of Arab development institutions in the reconstruction and recovery phase, with Saudi support considered a cornerstone of regional efforts to assist sister nations facing economic and service-related challenges.
The historical role of the Saudi Fund for Development
It is worth noting that the Saudi Fund for Development has a long and distinguished track record in humanitarian and development work spanning decades. Since its establishment in 1974, the Fund has consistently extended a helping hand to developing countries, making tangible development contributions in more than 100 countries worldwide. Its efforts have not been limited to a specific geographic region but have encompassed different continents, reflecting the Kingdom's global mission of promoting development and peace.
Official data indicates that the Fund has supported and financed more than 800 development projects and programs across various vital sectors, with a total value exceeding $22 billion. These projects aim to achieve a sustainable development impact that enhances economic growth opportunities and improves the living conditions of beneficiary populations, which is what the Fund seeks to implement through its renewed partnership with the Syrian side.
