Syrian Business Delegation to Visit Riyadh as Saudi Strengthens Economic Ties

RIYADH:A high-level Syrian delegation of private sector representatives and government officials is set to arrive in Riyadh on Monday, as Saudi Arabia deepens its engagement with Syria and pledges support for the country’s post-war reconstruction.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the delegation will be led by Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar. The visit comes on the heels of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held last month in Damascus, where more than 100 Saudi companies and 20 government bodies participated.

The Damascus forum produced investment deals valued at $6.4 billion, spanning real estate, infrastructure, finance, telecommunications, energy, industry, tourism, trade, and healthcare.

Among the agreements, Saudi telecommunications firms, including Saudi Telecom Co., GO Telecom, Elm, and cybersecurity company Cipher, pledged $1.07 billion in investments. Additionally, $2.93 billion in commitments were made for the construction of three new cement plants to aid Syria’s large-scale reconstruction efforts.

Analysts say the renewed economic cooperation underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic intent to normalize ties with Syria while opening new opportunities for Saudi investors in rebuilding critical infrastructure across the war-torn nation.