TUNIS, October 18. /TASS/. Syria and the World Bank Group have agreed to establish a multi-donor fund to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, the SANA news agency reported, citing the parties’ joint statement.

"The Syrian Arab Republic and the World Bank Group announced an agreement to establish the Syria Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund (START)," the document says. The fund is intended to provide concessional financing, investment guarantees, and technical support, as well as strengthen the country's institutional capacity.

The Fund will be managed by the World Bank jointly with donors and development partners in accordance with the priorities set by the Syrian authorities. The mechanism is geared to mobilize international support and coordinate assistance with an aim of accelerating reconstruction, recovery, and institutional reforms.

According to Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yasser Barnieh, the agreement opens up a new phase in cooperation with international partners. "We reaffirm our strong commitment to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and good governance," he stressed.