Latest news with #Ahmedal-Sharaa
Asharq Al-Awsat
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum Begins in Damascus
Under the patronage of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum kicked off on Thursday in Damascus, attended by various ministers and officials from both countries. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih delivered the opening speech, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by Syria and its people since their arrival, SPA reported. He conveyed greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with hopes for security and prosperity for Syria. Al-Falih emphasized that the directive from the Crown Prince to visit Syria with a delegation, comprising representatives from both the government and private sectors of Saudi Arabia, highlights the Kingdom's strong support for Syria in its journey towards economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. He stated, "We are not here to build new relationships; strong social, cultural, and economic ties have long connected our two countries. Historically, the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant were vital links in global trade through the Silk, Spice, and Incense Routes. Saudi Arabia and Syria have shared strong social, economic, and political ties. Recent meetings between the Crown Prince and the Syrian President aimed to strengthen this bond and create new opportunities for cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing economic and investment relations with Syria." The minister noted that over 20 government entities and 100 leading private sector companies from Saudi Arabia are present at the forum, investing in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, agriculture, as well as communications and information technology. He announced that 47 agreements, valued at approximately SAR24 billion, will be signed, covering various fields including real estate, finance, and tourism. Al-Falih also stressed that the forum reflects the belief that the private sector is a key partner in achieving mutual goals between the two countries. It encourages Saudi and international investors to explore opportunities in Syria and contribute to its strategic projects, thereby fostering mutual benefits across vital sectors. He highlighted that agreements exceeding SAR11 billion will be signed in infrastructure and real estate. This includes the establishment of over three new cement factories, aimed at securing essential raw materials for construction and enhancing self-sufficiency in this critical area. In the telecommunications sector, Al-Falih stated that the forum marked the beginning of cooperation between the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Syrian tech companies on one side, and leading Saudi companies—such as Elm, stc, GO Telecom, Cipher, Classera—on the other. This collaboration aims to develop digital infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity capabilities, and build advanced ecosystems in artificial intelligence, data centers, and educational academies. Agreements in this sector are estimated to be worth approximately SAR4 billion. Al-Falih described Syria's agricultural sector as rich with potential in modern farming, grain production, organic products, and food supply chains. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Syrian side to develop innovative joint projects, including model farms and processing industries, as well as knowledge and technology exchange. He also addressed the financial services and remittance sector, which will witness, at the event, the signing of a memorandum of understanding today between the Saudi Tadawul Group and the Damascus Securities Exchange. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in financial technologies, dual listings, data exchange, and the establishment of investment and transfer funds that will stimulate investment in Syria. The minister commended the positive and active role played by over 2,600 Syrian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom, noting that direct investments by Syrian investors in Saudi Arabia have reached nearly SAR10 billion. He emphasized their major role in building the new Syria and its growing economy. He said, "These figures are only the beginning and do not reflect our ambitions. We must work together, closely and cohesively, to grow and elevate these figures in line with the efforts of our two nations to build a better future for our peoples." Al-Falih also praised the positive steps taken by the Syrian government to improve the investment climate, foremost among them the amendment of the Investment Law on June 24, 2025, which grants investors more guarantees and incentives, facilitates procedures, and enhances transparency. As a reflection of the Kingdom's commitment to fostering investment in Syria, Al-Falih announced the establishment of the Saudi-Syrian Business Council, composed of a select group of business leaders. The council aims to drive economic cooperation, activate partnerships among private sector institutions in both countries, and boost Saudi investment presence in Syria's promising market. Al-Falih reiterated that the strong interest and presence of successful and pioneering Saudi companies across diverse investment sectors at the forum, along with the enthusiasm, engagement, and responsiveness witnessed from all sides in Syria. The resulting agreements across critical and high-value fields—capped by the commitment shown by the Syrian leadership and officials—are promising signs. These signs affirm that the path of cooperation and integration being launched today marks the beginning of a future filled with prosperity, growth, and development for both countries and their peoples across all fields, under the guidance and support of the leadership of both nations.
Ya Libnan
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Abil Mona appeals for urgent humanitarian support for Sweida: Calls for lifting the siege and condemns the massacre of the Druze
Despite his hollow promises, Ahmed al-Sharaa has failed miserably in protecting Syria's vulnerable minorities. His brief rule has not ushered in a new era of inclusion or reconciliation, but one of betrayal and brutality. Many minorities across Syria—from Christians to Alawites, Druze to Kurds—no longer see Sharaa as a protector but as a former ISIS affiliate in a business suit. Beirut- Lebanon's top Druze spiritual leader Sheikh al Aql , Dr . Sami Abi Al-Mona, pointed out that 'with the true reality in Sweida being revealed day after day, with the massive loss of life and property, and the urgent need for basic necessities in an unprecedented tragic scene, and with our hope that the Syrian state will regain its prestige and address the situation with wisdom and justice, it was necessary for us to confront the reality and condemn the heinous attack on Sweida. We must also stand by our people and all the people of Sweida who were attacked.' He noted in a press conference that 'we will not engage in politics today, in order to allow for the intensification of efforts to calm the situation in Sweida, and we are already undertaking some of them.' He called on 'the countries sponsoring the Syrian revolution and its results, foremost among them our sister Arab countries, to sponsor and embrace the process of establishing a state.' He emphasized that 'in parallel with the tireless efforts to contain the war and address political issues, we see ourselves as responsible for shouldering humanitarian responsibility, at the very least by standing by our people in Sweida in their ordeal.' Abu al-Muna declared, 'In the name of the Sheikhdom of the Mind, we are launching a broad humanitarian campaign and an urgent appeal to support the afflicted Sweida and heal the wounds of its people. We will work tirelessly to rescue and treat the injured, return the kidnapped today before tomorrow, preserve the safety of Druze students, secure the needs of families whose homes were destroyed, burned, or lost their breadwinners, and rebuild the homes and institutions that were destroyed.' He extended his thanks to 'all local and international organizations that have begun providing aid.' He explained that 'the appeal has two parts: one part is directed to Druze monotheists in Lebanon and the world, to participate in the donation campaign to the charity fund at the House of the Druze Community in Beirut. The second part is directed to Arab and friendly countries, as well as the Syrian state, to lift the siege on Sweida, open humanitarian corridors, provide basic necessities, treat the injured, rebuild, and compensate for what was looted and stolen. We also call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the massacres committed and to hold those responsible accountable.' He also stressed that 'the Druze monotheists are advocates of peace, not conflict, and have always been the sword of Arabism and Islam against the Zionist plans of fragmentation,' affirming that 'we will not allow the Druze-Sunni strife in Sweida and its extension, and we seek reconciliation, and from here our constant communication with the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian.' Sources Al Nashra , translated from Arabic
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Syria to sign 44 agreements worth nearly $6 billion with Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's investment minister led a business delegation travelling to Syria on Wednesday, where they were expected to sign deals worth $4 billion to $6 billion as part of Riyadh's efforts to support the country's post-war recovery. The Gulf kingdom has been a crucial supporter of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government, which came to power after toppling longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December and is now seeking to rebuild Syria after a 14-year civil war. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, who brought around 130 Saudi businesspeople to Damascus, is set to hold meetings with Syria's leadership ahead of a two-day investment conference opening on Wednesday, according to people due to attend. KSA adds $600m to $2.2bn investment Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Moustafa said at a press conference on Wednesday that Syria will sign 44 agreements with Saudi Arabia estimated to be worth nearly $6 billion. The agreements cover various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, financial and banking, investment funds and others, the minister said. Some of the agreements will be signed between the government and private companies, he said. Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported on Tuesday that the agreements to be signed between Damascus and Riyadh would be worth over $4 billion. During his visit to Syria, Saudi Arabia's Al-Falih and his Syrian counterpart launched a cement factory project on Wednesday in Adra Industrial City in the Damascus countryside, the first white cement production project in the country, with an investment worth $20 million, Syrian state news agency SANA said. Al-Falih also broke ground on an integrated retail project by Saudi investment firm Ethraa Holding that is worth 375 million riyals ($99.96 million) in investments. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in Syria's energy and hospitality sectors, as well as airports, a diplomat and a Syrian businessman familiar with the matter told Reuters. The two countries are also expected to launch a joint business council, said the Syrian businessman. The investment conference had initially been scheduled to take place in June, but was delayed due to the war between Iran and Israel. It is going ahead this week despite sectarian clashes in Syria's southern city of Sweida that have left hundreds dead. The violence is a reminder of the lingering instability in Syria, even as foreign investors explore opportunities. Companies, many from Gulf states and Turkey, have expressed interest in rebuilding Syria's power generation capacity, roads, ports and other damaged infrastructure. Syria has signed a $7 billion power deal with Qatar and an $800 million agreement with UAE-based port company DP World in recent months. U.S. energy firms are also set to draw up a master plan for the country's energy sector. KSA investment minister arrives For its part, Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, paid off Syria's World Bank arrears, opening the possibility of new lending. Syria's al-Sharaa made his first trip abroad as president, to Saudi Arabia in February. And the kingdom's Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salman successfully lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump to lift sanctions seen as holding back private investment.
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saudi business delegation arrives in Syria; deals worth $4 billion to $6 billion seen being signed
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's investment minister led a business delegation travelling to Syria on Wednesday, where they were expected to sign deals worth $4 billion to $6 billion as part of Riyadh's efforts to support the country's post-war recovery. The Gulf kingdom has been a crucial supporter of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government, which came to power after toppling longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December and is now seeking to rebuild Syria after a 14-year civil war. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, who brought around 130 Saudi businesspeople to Damascus, is set to hold meetings with Syria's leadership ahead of a two-day investment conference opening on Wednesday, according to people due to attend. KSA adds $600m to $2.2bn investment Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Moustafa said at a press conference on Wednesday that Syria will sign 44 agreements with Saudi Arabia estimated to be worth nearly $6 billion. The agreements cover various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, financial and banking, investment funds and others, the minister said. Some of the agreements will be signed between the government and private companies, he said. Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported on Tuesday that the agreements to be signed between Damascus and Riyadh would be worth over $4 billion. During his visit to Syria, Saudi Arabia's Al-Falih and his Syrian counterpart launched a cement factory project on Wednesday in Adra Industrial City in the Damascus countryside, the first white cement production project in the country, with an investment worth $20 million, Syrian state news agency SANA said. Al-Falih also broke ground on an integrated retail project by Saudi investment firm Ethraa Holding that is worth 375 million riyals ($99.96 million) in investments. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in Syria's energy and hospitality sectors, as well as airports, a diplomat and a Syrian businessman familiar with the matter told Reuters. The two countries are also expected to launch a joint business council, said the Syrian businessman. The investment conference had initially been scheduled to take place in June, but was delayed due to the war between Iran and Israel. It is going ahead this week despite sectarian clashes in Syria's southern city of Sweida that have left hundreds dead. The violence is a reminder of the lingering instability in Syria, even as foreign investors explore opportunities. Companies, many from Gulf states and Turkey, have expressed interest in rebuilding Syria's power generation capacity, roads, ports and other damaged infrastructure. Syria has signed a $7 billion power deal with Qatar and an $800 million agreement with UAE-based port company DP World in recent months. U.S. energy firms are also set to draw up a master plan for the country's energy sector. KSA investment minister arrives For its part, Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, paid off Syria's World Bank arrears, opening the possibility of new lending. Syria's al-Sharaa made his first trip abroad as president, to Saudi Arabia in February. And the kingdom's Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salman successfully lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump to lift sanctions seen as holding back private investment.
Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Islamists sent here to 'islamise' Europe, says female imam in Germany
German authorities filed criminal charges against dozens of participants following weekend protests in Berlin and Düsseldorf, where demonstrators celebrated violence against Syria's Druze minority and clashed with Kurdish counter-protesters. Hundreds gathered Saturday outside Berlin's city hall, waving Syrian flags and chanting slogans, including "Today we liberate Suwayda. And we will bend the Druze," according to observers. Protesters also directed hostile chants against Christians, Alawites and Israelis while displaying support for Syria's new Islamist leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre Mohammed al-Jolani. The demonstrations coincided with ongoing violence in Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda region, where human rights organisations report hundreds were killed in attacks by Bedouin militias and government-aligned forces. Entire villages have been burned and civilians, including women and children, assaulted and summarily executed. Similar protests in Düsseldorf drew approximately 300 participants who displayed large posters honouring al-Sharaa. Videos showed demonstrators dancing while glorifying attacks on Druze communities, with footage later posted to TikTok featuring scissors symbols representing the cutting of Druze men's facial hair. Violence erupted at Düsseldorf's central train station when Syrian protesters clashed with Kurdish demonstrators. Participants threw bottles and stones, injuring five police officers before authorities separated the groups. Police filed roughly 20 criminal charges, including breach of peace, assault and property damage. 'Sent to Europe to cause unrest' Seyran Ateş, founder and imam of the Ibn Rushd Goethe Mosque, issued a stern warning about the "protesters" who openly show their radicalism on the streets. "They were sent to Europe to cause unrest here, to recruit people for their ideology and to work on the big idea of Islamising Europe," Ateş told Euronews. "A liberal society like Germany cannot and will not close itself off to radical views as long as they do not threaten the constitution." "If right-wing extremist Germans are allowed to demonstrate, then Islamists can demonstrate too. Yet more tolerance is often shown towards Islamists so as not to be seen as Islamophobic," she explained. Ateş's liberal mosque had to close temporarily in 2024 due to threats of extremist attacks. She was the target of an attack by a member of the Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves in 1984. Ateş has been under police protection for almost 18 years - yet she continues to campaign for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. "Syrian Islamists who celebrate massacres of minorities and attack Druze and Kurds on our streets have just as little place in Germany as foreign antisemites," anthropologist focusing on Islam Susanne Schröter told Euronews. "Those who belong to the Islamist opposition to al-Assad should be returned to their home country as quickly as possible", she explained. "They no longer pose a threat there (but) when they come here, they pose a threat to internal security," warned Schröter. Mehmet Tanriverdi of the Kurdish Community of Germany (KGD) noted many demonstrators originally fled Syria's al-Assad regime a decade ago but now support the Islamist forces persecuting minorities including Kurds, Alawites and Druze. He called on the German government to "absolutely correct" its current Syria policy. "In addition to the criminals, Germany must also deport all others who are Islamist-minded, promote the dictatorship and are against the constitution." CDU politician Christopher Förster questioned why supporters of Syria's new regime remain in Germany, arguing they should be encouraged to leave voluntarily or face deportation since Syria is now "obviously a safe country" for Islamists. "Nobody should be given a German passport for taking part in such a demonstration," Förster said. "I seriously wonder why these people are still here at all."
