RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will introduce travel permits for businessmen and investors from Syria to deepen bilateral relations and facilitate mutual visits.
Syrian businessmen can now apply for travel licenses directly at the embassy in Damascus, the Kingdom’s embassy said in an official post on X. Meanwhile, Saudi investors seeking to visit Syria can register via the Interior Ministry’s e-platform.
Saudi Arabia and Syria have made significant strides in restoring diplomatic ties, with the Kingdom reopening its embassy in Damascus in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus. In April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced a joint initiative to settle Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank as part of broader efforts to support the financial recovery of the war-torn nation.
“The embassy announces the availability of travel permits for interested Saudi and Syrian businessmen and investors, enabling them to exchange visits and explore investment opportunities in the two brotherly countries,” the statement said.
The Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment announced that it will organize a Saudi-Syria Investment Forum in Damascus to explore cooperation opportunities to promote sustainable development in the two countries.
In an X post, the ministry said the forum is expected to witness significant participation from public and private sector entities on both sides.
In June, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih held a virtual meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Mohammad Al-Shaar, to explore investment partnerships and discuss opportunities for collaboration across public and private sectors.
Al-Falih affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to helping stabilize and develop the Syrian economy, adding that stronger ties would serve the mutual interests of both countries and promote regional economic prosperity.
Further aiding Syria’s economic recovery, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June to dismantle sanctions against the country.
Following the announcement, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani posted on X that the decision by the US administration would support Syria’s economic revival and reintroduce the country to the global community.
