Shift to the Arab Group
Syria will move from the Russian Federation constituency to the Arab Group at the World Bank, effective 1 November 2026. The change was reviewed when Finance Minister Mohammed Yusr Barnieh met Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, the World Bank Group's executive director for the Arab Group, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The talks covered cooperation files, programs, and ongoing activities between Syria and the World Bank, and how the two sides will work together once the realignment takes effect.
A Return After 2012
Syria had belonged to the Russian Federation constituency at the World Bank since 2012. The Finance Ministry announced the move to the Arab Group on 14 October 2026, framing it as a return to the bloc that represents Arab member states on the Bank's board.
Constituencies group member countries so they can share representation and a voice in the institution's decision-making, including the offices that follow up on individual countries' files.
Weeks of Engagement
The Finance Ministry set out the change on 14 October 2026, and the meeting followed on 17 October 2026, three days later, as officials worked through the practical steps before the 1 November 2026 handover.
The discussions were held during the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, where member governments gather with the two institutions on financing, reform, and economic cooperation.
What Each Side Said
Barnieh said he hoped the Arab Group's executive office would coordinate and follow up on Syria-related files and support the Bank's activities and programs in the country.
Al-Mulla welcomed Syria's return to the Arab Group and said efforts would be made to strengthen the World Bank's services and activities in Syria.
Why It Matters
The realignment places Syria's representation at the World Bank alongside Arab member states, a change the government presents as part of wider engagement with international lenders. With the transfer due to take effect on 1 November 2026, the talks focused on keeping cooperation uninterrupted through the handover.