On Friday, May 16, 2025, the World Bank confirmed that Saudi Arabia and Qatar have cleared Syria's outstanding debt of $15.5 million, allowing Damascus to access new loans. This payment follows the announcement last month by both countries that they would settle Syria's debt.

U.S. President Donald Trump began a meeting with Syria's president in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to a Washington Post pool report, after a surprise U.S. announcement it would lift all sanctions on the Islamist-led government.