عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Arabia, IMF, World Bank Stress Int’l Commitment to Syria’s Economic Recovery

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga are seen at Friday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga are seen at Friday's meeting. (SPA)
TT
20
TT

Saudi Arabia, IMF, World Bank Stress Int’l Commitment to Syria’s Economic Recovery

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga are seen at Friday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga are seen at Friday's meeting. (SPA)

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga stressed on Friday their commitment to Syria’s economic recovery.

Meeting on the sidelines of the 2025WBG/IMF spring meetings in Washington, they co-hosted a high-level roundtable for Syria, bringing together the Syrian authorities, finance ministers, and key stakeholders from multilateral and regional financial institutions, as well as economic and development partners.

“Building on earlier discussions – including at the Paris Conference on Syria (February 13), the AlUla roundtable on February 16 and Brussels IX conference (March 17) — this event provided a platform for the Syrian authorities to present their ongoing efforts to stabilize and rebuild their country, reduce poverty, and achieve long-term economic development,” they said in a joint statement.

“There was broad recognition of the urgent challenges facing the Syrian economy and a collective commitment to support the authorities' efforts for recovery and development. Priority will be given to efforts to meet the critical needs of the Syrian people, institutional rebuilding, capacity development, policy reforms, and the development of a national economic recovery strategy,” it added.

“The IMF and WBG were called upon to play a key role in providing support in line with their mandates and reflecting shareholders' support, in close coordination with multilateral and bilateral partners,” it continued.

“We welcome the efforts to help Syria reintegrate with the international community and unlock access to resources, to support the authorities' policy efforts, address early recovery and reconstruction needs, and promote private-sector development and job creation,” read the statement. “We also support the Syrian authorities' efforts to strengthen governance and increase transparency as they build effective institutions that deliver for the people of Syria.”

“We extend our gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and commitment to support efforts by the Syrian authorities to rebuild Syria and improve the lives of the Syrian people,” it stressed.

The officials will convene again at the annual meetings of the IMF and WBG in October 2025 to monitor the progress achieved and harmonize global efforts in advancing Syria's economic-recovery and prosperity.

Most Viewed

 
Business

Israel-Iran Conflict Disrupts Air Travel in the Region

Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Israel-Iran Conflict Disrupts Air Travel in the Region

Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Flight information display screen shows updates about cancelled flights, due to schedule disruptions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict, at the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon June 16, 2025. (Reuters)

The escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran is creating mounting challenges for Middle Eastern airlines, including airspace closures and rerouted flight paths, all of which are driving up operational costs.

While Gulf carriers are relying on alternative routes - albeit more expensive ones - private airlines in neighboring countries face the risk of exiting the market altogether if the crisis persists.

Countries geographically close to the conflict, such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan, are increasingly concerned about the conflict’s deepening impact on the civil aviation sector, which represents one of the most sensitive branches of their economies. The threat is no longer confined to security concerns alone, but is now hitting the economic core of these nations.

Dr. Hussein Al-Zahrani, an aviation investor, told Asharq Al-Awsat that countries geographically tied to the Iran-Israel conflict are already facing direct complications in the aviation sector. These include airport closures and rerouted flights, such as the diversion of Jordanian planes to Egypt’s Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh, or grounding aircraft entirely.

Al-Zahrani noted that national carriers in these countries, particularly state-owned airlines, are more likely to receive government support to help them weather the storm. However, the limited number of private airlines operating in these regions may not survive a prolonged crisis.

Iraq has approximately five carriers, Lebanon one, Syria two (one of which is government-owned), and Jordan three; all of which could suffer significantly if the conflict drags on.

In contrast, Gulf airlines have contingency plans in place, Al-Zahrani said, although they are not immune to the repercussions.

Increased flight distances and restricted airspace will present logistical and financial burdens, though Gulf carriers are more resilient and often absorb the extra costs themselves. In many cases, rerouting results in only minor extensions - around 20 minutes - which allows airlines to maintain stable pricing.

He cited exceptions, such as some northern-bound Kuwaiti flights to Europe that typically rely on Iraqi airspace. These will now need to reroute via Saudi airspace, then over the Mediterranean to reach Europe, significantly increasing flight durations and operating expenses.

Al-Zahrani also pointed out that many transcontinental flights between East and West, which pass over Saudi and Iraqi airspace, will be disrupted if closures in conflict zones persist. This may force airlines to reschedule, reroute, or even suspend certain long-haul routes if they become economically unfeasible.

Aviation-sector companies are considered foundational contributors to national budgets, particularly in countries where the industry plays a major economic role. According to Al-Zahrani, these entities are typically the first to suffer in the event of military conflicts, especially as oil prices rise and long-haul operations become increasingly expensive.

Observers warn that if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz - a vital maritime corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea - it would further heighten concerns for both maritime and air transportation companies, given the anticipated spike in insurance costs and risk premiums should the crisis continue.

Economic analyst Marwan Al-Sharif told Asharq Al-Awsat that airlines may be able to navigate the crisis if it remains short-lived, especially those operating in proximity to the warring parties. However, if the conflict drags on, the resulting losses could grow more severe, weakening the financial viability of many carriers amid rising fuel costs, airspace restrictions, and surging insurance rates.