The World Bank said on Friday that it had cleared Syria’s $15.5 million debt after payments by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, making the country eligible again for grants to fund reconstruction and economic recovery.
“We are pleased that the clearance of Syria’s arrears will allow the World Bank Group to re-engage with the country and address the development needs of the Syrian people,” the bank said in a statement. “After years of conflict, Syria is on a path to recovery and development.”
It marked the latest victory for Syria’s new government as it attempts to forge a stable path forward for the country after nearly 14 years of civil war. The debt relief came days after President Trump made the surprise announcement on Tuesday that the United States would lift sanctions on Syria.
