Syria Seeks to Strengthen Financial Cooperation with the United States and the World Bank

Syrian Minister of Finance, Mohammad Yassar Bernia, held a series of meetings in the U.S. capital, Washington, discussing ways to support financial reforms in Syria and enhance international cooperation, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

According to an official statement, the Syrian minister met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Middle East Affairs, Eric Meyer, where the two sides discussed mechanisms to support reforms in public finance and the financial sector, in addition to capacity building and cooperation between the two ministries.

Bernia described the meeting as “fruitful and constructive,” noting progress in bilateral financial relations between Damascus and Washington.

In a related context, the Minister of Finance held a meeting with the World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Ousmane Dione, in the presence of several sector directors at the Bank, with the aim of discussing new development programs in Syria.

The talks covered areas of cooperation in financial management, human development, infrastructure, mortgage financing, digital transformation, as well as support for the private sector and improvement of the investment environment.

The Syrian side confirmed that the meetings are part of a comprehensive strategic cooperation with international financial institutions, aimed at supporting development efforts and economic reform in the country.