The World Bank has officially resumed operations in Syria, ending a 14-year suspension that began with the outbreak of the country’s civil war in 2011. The decision comes after Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly cleared Syria’s outstanding debt of approximately $15.5 million to the Washington-based institution.
This marks a significant milestone in Syria’s re-entry into the global economic system and reflects a broader shift in international engagement following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad last year. With a new government now in place in Damascus, diplomatic ties are being restored and long-standing sanctions are beginning to ease.
In an official statement, the World Bank said Syria is “on a path to recovery and development,” with its first new project focused on improving access to electricity. This initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for a wider reconstruction and development program aimed at addressing both urgent infrastructure needs and long-term economic stability.
“The proposed project is the first step in a planned increase in World Bank Group support,” the statement noted. “This will help to stabilize the country and the region.”
Since 2011, all World Bank activities in Syria—including loans, grants, and technical assistance—had been suspended. The resumption of support signals renewed confidence in Syria’s potential for recovery.
Adding to the momentum, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the lifting of American sanctions on Syria, describing the move as an opportunity for the nation to reclaim its “greatness” in the post-Assad era.
In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department said the decision is intended to “help rebuild Syria’s economy, financial sector, and infrastructure,” paving the way for a more “bright, prosperous, and stable future.”
Together, these twin developments—the World Bank’s return and the lifting of U.S. sanctions—represent the most significant steps in Syria’s reintegration into the international community after over a decade of conflict and isolation.
