Damascus eyes global reentry as Syrian FM visits US

Syria’s Finance Minister Mohamed Yasser Barnia has announced that he is traveling to the US to discuss prospects for Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system.

Barnia said he represented Damascus during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, signaling what appears to be a tentative step toward rebuilding ties with global institutions after years of isolation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He noted that Syria remains hopeful about rejoining the international economic community and restoring its position within global financial frameworks. This move comes amid broader efforts by Syrian leadership to reposition the country on the global stage following over a decade of civil war and international sanctions.

Earlier this month, Nidal al-Shaar, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, highlighted the strategic importance of Syria’s relationship with Russia, calling it a key geopolitical and economic partner. 

“Russia is a major power with considerable influence in the world and in the Arab region,” al-Shaar said.

He also noted that prior ties between Moscow and Damascus were limited, as they primarily involved select groups rather than representing the Syrian people as a whole. 

Al-Shaar emphasised that closer collaboration with Russia is not only politically significant but also crucial from technical and economic perspectives, as Syria seeks support in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

By Naila Huseynova