The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has named Ron van Rooden as the new head of its mission to Syria — the first such appointment since the country's conflict began 14 years ago, said Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yosr Bernieh on Wednesday. The announcement, made during the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, marks a potential turning point in Syria's engagement with global financial institutions. Bernieh, who met van Rooden during the event, said the appointment followed a formal Syrian request and reflects a renewed effort to revive cooperation with the IMF in support of Syria's economic recovery. The IMF has not conducted an official mission to Syria since 2009 and has not had any financial dealings with the country in more than 40 years. The move comes as Syria's new government seeks to restore international ties and accelerate economic reconstruction. In a significant development, senior Syrian officials — including Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Husrieh — are participating in the Spring Meetings for the first time in two decades. On the sidelines of the meetings, a Saudi-World Bank co-hosted roundtable on Syria reportedly attracted "unprecedented" interest in the country's reconstruction, according to Bernieh. Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced plans to provide $1.3 billion in aid to Syria over the next three years. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: Y.Yasser
