Mucahithan Avcioglu
20 November 2025•Update: 20 November 2025
ISTANBUL
A World Bank Group delegation visited Syria on Wednesday to deepen dialogue in support of the country’s development priorities and recovery efforts, according to a statement Thursday.
The delegation, led by Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region Ousmane Dione, met Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Al-Shaibani and Minister of Finance, Mohamad Yisr Barnieh.
"Building on discussions held during the World Bank Group Annual Meetings in DC last October, the delegation meetings in Damascus focused on strengthening the World Bank’s partnership with Syria, defining priority sectors of support to the people of Syria and accelerating program implementation," said the statement from the World Bank.
It noted that the delegation appreciated the government's efforts to revitalize the economy while maintaining economic and financial stability under extraordinary circumstances, adding that important initiatives included fiscal and financial policy measures, as well as reforms in public finance management and tax policy.
The World Bank’s reengagement approach in Syria is anchored in supporting the provision of basic services, strengthening public institutions and systems and enabling transformative infrastructure, according to the statement.
It noted that the delegation discussed technical assistance opportunities in various sectors with officials, emphasizing the World Bank Group's commitment to working with the government, partners and communities to meet the needs of the Syrian people and lay the foundation for a sustainable recovery and tangible development gains.
“The World Bank Group stands ready to support Syria’s journey toward recovery and inclusive growth”, said Dione. “Our reengagement approach is informed by rigorous knowledge, global experience, strategic partnerships and a strong commitment to deliver tangible benefits for the Syrian people based on their government’s priorities”.
The Syrian civil war ended last December after Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, ending the Ba'ath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.
After the establishment of a new government led by Al-Sharaa, Syria has pursued political and economic reforms while promoting social cohesion and expanding cooperation with regional and international partners.
Syria has also been implementing fiscal and economic reforms to attract foreign investments.
