Director-General of the Syrian Development Fund (SYDF), Safwat Ruslan, held talks with a delegation from the Belgian Agency for Development Cooperation (Enabel) focused on expanding cooperation to support Syria’s reconstruction and sustainable development efforts.
Focus on Jobs, Institutions, and Community Impact
The discussions addressed priority development areas, including job creation, institutional capacity building, and the implementation of projects with direct and tangible impact on local communities. Ruslan highlighted the importance of aligning development initiatives with on-the-ground needs to ensure lasting economic and social benefits.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Ruslan emphasized that the meeting represents an important step toward strengthening international partnerships contributing to Syria’s recovery. He outlined the SYDF’s role in supporting reconstruction across vital sectors, noting the challenges facing development work and the Fund’s efforts to implement small-scale, high-impact projects through cooperation with local and international partners. Ruslan stressed the SYDF’s commitment to building genuine development pathways that open opportunities for employment and contribute to restoring essential infrastructure.
For its part, the Enabel delegation expressed clear interest in working in Syria and affirmed its readiness to support the SYDF through expertise transfer, funding mechanisms, and the implementation of joint projects aimed at promoting sustainable development. Both sides agreed to prepare a joint cooperation plan for the upcoming phase, designed to ensure measurable and sustainable developmental outcomes.
Institutional Background
The Syrian Development Fund is a sovereign institution established by Decree No. 112 in June 2025. It aims to support reconstruction and the development of infrastructure and vital facilities through integrated development and financing programs.
Enabel is the Belgian government agency for international development cooperation, responsible for implementing Belgium’s development policy in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Its work spans areas such as employment, governance, education, climate action, and reducing inequality.
