Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa used his appearance at the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII9) conference in Riyadh this week to position Syria as a cornerstone of regional stability and a promising destination for global investment. Speaking before world financial leaders, Sharaa praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership role and outlined his vision for rebuilding Syria through investment rather than foreign aid.
A Strategic Return to the Global Stage
In his keynote remarks on Wednesday, Sharaa said Syria’s stability is inseparable from the security and prosperity of the broader Middle East. “The world has experienced Syria’s instability and its consequences,” he told attendees. “Today, the success of Syria will be a strategic gain for the region.” He emphasized the country’s geographic position along historic trade routes and its potential as a vital corridor for global supply chains strained by conflict and economic disruption.
Sharaa’s comments came during a trip that included a meeting with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to strengthen investment and economic ties.
Investment Over Aid
Throughout his speeches and interviews, Sharaa repeated a central theme: rebuilding Syria through investment, not assistance. “We chose the path of reconstruction through investment; we did not choose the path of rebuilding through aid.” He elaborated, “Aid makes nations complacent instead of productive. Our people and our resources are enough to rebuild Syria.”
He revealed that Syria has attracted over $28 billion in foreign investments during the first six months of the year and noted that the figure could rise sharply as international confidence grows. Sharaa said recent legislative reforms had made Syria’s investment framework “among the best in the world,” allowing investors to repatriate most of their profits and capital. The new law, reviewed by global consulting firms including McKinsey, aims to guarantee protection and transparency for foreign investors.
Partnership with Riyadh
During a panel discussion moderated by journalist Abdullah al-Mudayfer, Sharaa described Saudi Arabia as “the key to prosperity and stability in the region.” He credited the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy for creating an environment that encourages regional integration and economic cooperation. “Our first foreign visit was to Saudi Arabia because we recognize its pivotal role,” he said, drawing applause from the audience, which included Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia has pledged over $6 billion in new investments in Syrian infrastructure, real estate, and telecommunications this year, according to official announcements. Sharaa said partnerships with Gulf states, Turkey, Jordan, and even some American firms mark a “new chapter” for Syria’s international relations.
Betting on the Syrian People
Asked about his greatest source of confidence for Syria’s future, Sharaa replied, “I place my bet on the Syrian people.” He added that those who endured years of war and hardship “remain steadfast and capable of rebuilding Syria from nothing.”
Closing his remarks, the president expressed optimism that Syria would soon reclaim its economic footing. “We cannot live in isolation,” he said. “Integration between Syria and other countries will create an economy that benefits everyone.”
