A staff mission from the International Monetary Fund visited Damascus this week to discuss with Syrian authorities the country’s economic reform priorities and assess its technical assistance requirements, according to Reuters.
IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack noted that the next step would feature further discussions to lay the groundwork for an ‘Article IV’ review of Syria’s economy—the first such assessment since 2009.
She also said that IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva hold a significant meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa last week to discuss Syria’s economic challenges.
The talks focused on how the fund can continue to support the Syrian economy with policy advice particularly as Damascus rebuilds its central bank and other economic institutions.
Since the fall of Al-Assad, Syria has been led by Al-Sharaa who has been attempting to warm Syria’s relations with international community after a brutal civil war that tore Syria apart.
On Monday, Al-Sharaa held a landmark meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking an unprecedented diplomatic move in Syria’s history.
The Syrian Presidency stated that the meeting has boosted the bilateral ties between Damascus and Washington and explored ways to further enhance cooperation. The statement added that both leaders discussed several regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Before Al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House, the UN Security Council voted to remove Al-Sharaa from a terrorism sanctions list. This diplomatic step received support by the United States which urged for lifting all sanctions to allow the new Syrian President to travel more freely, without needing to wait for waivers for some trips.
Related Topics:
IMF Raises Saudi Arabia’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 4%
IMF Praises Saudi Arabia’s Strong Economic Resilience
Saudi Arabia Joins IMF, World Bank Annual Meetings
