RIYADH, Monday, October 27, 2025 (WNP): Saudi Arabia and Syria have taken another significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties, as senior officials from both nations convened a high-level investment roundtable in Riyadh on Monday to advance joint projects and enhance cooperation across key sectors.
The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Al-Shaar. It was also attended by Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal, and Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority Talal Al-Hilali, along with representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries.
The roundtable focused on addressing current investment challenges, developing practical mechanisms for the swift activation of joint ventures, and exploring new opportunities in priority sectors such as energy, industry, communications, agriculture, and finance. Discussions also emphasized establishing appropriate frameworks for future investment agreements to strengthen long-term cooperation.
Minister Al-Falih reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to being an active partner in Syria’s economic and developmental recovery. He hailed the recent signing of the Saudi-Syrian agreement on the encouragement and protection of mutual investments — a landmark step that provides a comprehensive legal framework ensuring protection and fair treatment for investors.
Highlighting progress in financial and regulatory collaboration, Al-Falih revealed that coordinated efforts among the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Saudi Central Bank, and the Central Bank of Syria have paved the way for implementing direct bank transfers between the two countries. This initiative, he said, will facilitate capital movement, support trade and investment activities, and boost confidence in Syria’s financial sector.
The minister further noted that Saudi Arabia is supporting new investment financing mechanisms by enabling the creation of several sector-based investment funds. These funds, he said, will serve as effective platforms for financing joint, high-quality projects — positioning Saudi funds as reliable channels for regional and global investments into Syria.
Parallel sectoral meetings held alongside the roundtable focused on improving the investment climate, identifying promising opportunities, and reaffirming mutual commitments to accelerate implementation.
The Riyadh roundtable marks a continuation of the deepening economic engagement between Saudi Arabia and Syria, reflecting their shared resolve to rebuild and reinvigorate Syria’s economy through sustainable investment partnerships.
