Saudis Announce New Investments in Syria, a Sign of Deepening Ties

Saudi Arabia announced sweeping investments in Syria’s telecommunications, energy and aviation sectors on Saturday, unveiling deals at the presidential palace in Damascus. The package includes the creation of a joint airline, the rehabilitation of Aleppo’s international airport and a $1 billion investment to develop the country’s telecommunication network.

Talal al-Hilali, head of Syria’s investment authority, said the Aleppo project will “restore Syria’s leading industrial city to its pioneering role,” and added that developing telecommunications “forms the foundation for building a modern economy.” He unveiled the deals alongside the Saudi investment minister, Khalid al-Falih.

The investments offer a much-needed boost for the Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose rebel forces ousted the country’s longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, just over a year ago. Since taking power, Mr.

Syria, Damascus