WASHINGTON, November 20, 2025 - A World Bank Group delegation led by Dr. Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region, visited Damascus on November 19 to deepen the ongoing dialogue on the World Bank Group's engagement program in Syria to support the country's development priorities and recovery efforts.
The delegation met with Syrian President, H.E. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, H.E. Asaad Al-Shaibani and Minister of Finance, H.E. 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.
The delegation acknowledged the Syrian government's efforts to revive the economy while maintaining economic and financial stability under extraordinary circumstances. Important initiatives in this regard include fiscal and financial policy measures and reforms to public finance management and tax policy.
"The World Bank Group stands ready to support Syria's journey toward recovery and inclusive growth", said Ousmane Dione, World Bank MENAAP Vice President. "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 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. Through mobilizing IDA21 resources, helping the government of Syria establish a Multi-Donor Trust Fund, and fostering private sector investments, the Bank aims to deliver results at scale and coordinate with partners for maximum impact. The reengagement is informed by rigorous analytics to bridge critical information gaps and support evidence-based policy dialogue. It is also tailored to Syria's evolving needs, with a commitment to advancing program implementation and positioning the Bank as a trusted and strategic partner in the country's recovery journey.
The meetings also discussed the implementation of the Syria Emergency Electricity Project (SEEP). Approved in June 2025, the SEEP is the first World Bank project in Syria in almost four decades and constitutes an essential component of the World Bank Group's initial support for Syria's recovery and stabilization efforts.
The delegation and Syrian counterparts also discussed technical assistance opportunities in various sectors to further strengthen the country's development trajectory, including capacity building for macro-fiscal management and debt resolution, sector diagnostics, feasibility studies for regional infrastructure projects in transport and energy.
The World Bank Group is committed to working alongside the Syrian government, partners, and communities to address urgent needs of the Syrian people and lay the foundation for sustainable recovery and concrete development gains
