Damascus: Syrian Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammed Yisr Barnieh stated that the recent $89 million financial support from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aimed at enabling the payment of salaries for government employees, signifies a continuation of the substantial fraternal assistance provided by Qatar in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. This support underlines the strong ties between the two nations and Qatar’s continuous commitment to aiding Syria in its reconstruction and development journey.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Barnieh expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s ongoing support, which has had a positive impact during and post-crisis by bolstering national institutions and aiding the development process. He highlighted the critical timing of the Qatari-Saudi grant and emphasized Qatar’s contributions to energy and electricity projects that will improve essential services, which are vital for economic growth and sustainable development.
The support from Qatar and Saudi Arabia to cover wage and salary expenses further extends their recognized role in helping the Syrian government advance its wage system reform plans and address arrears with the World Bank. Dr. Barnieh noted that this reflects Qatar’s consistent support for Syria’s efforts toward economic recovery and sustainable development.
Dr. Barnieh confirmed that this generous financial assistance embodies the deep fraternal relations between Syria and Qatar, reiterating Doha’s commitment to supporting Syria’s comprehensive reconstruction and development. He emphasized that the grant is crucial for improving the wage and salary system in Syria, enhancing public sector employees’ living standards, and supporting government efforts to implement wage system reforms.
In his interview with QNA, Dr. Barnieh mentioned that the grant will cover approximately 17 percent of the wage bill for non-military employees. This significant contribution will support the government’s economic, financial, and social reform programs, positively affecting citizens’ livelihoods and the stability of state institutions.
The Syrian government appreciates Qatar’s continued support in regional and international forums and its readiness to provide expertise and technical advice in financial reform. Dr. Barnieh also expressed Syria’s intention to expand cooperation with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to develop comprehensive strategic partnerships with other countries, enhancing opportunities for economic and social development, attracting investments, and improving basic services.
The $89 million joint grant from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, announced in September, aims to support the salaries of public sector employees and enhance public service stability in Syria. This initiative, launched by the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, aligns with the Syrian government’s efforts to implement financial and economic reforms and improve living standards for civil sector employees.