Reuters reported that Syria will take part in a closed session with finance ministers of the Group of Seven and central bank governors in the French capital, Paris.

The agency quoted a source it described as informed today, Monday, May 18, as saying that Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh is expected to attend the meeting, and that the discussions will focus on Syria’s sustainable recovery and its reintegration into the global financial system.

The meeting will mainly discuss global trade tensions, the repercussions of the war in the Middle East, and the supply chain and energy crisis, according to Reuters.

On the Path to Integration Into the Global System

Reuters said the Syrian finance minister is expected to attend the meeting, which is being held in the French capital, Paris, over two days.

According to the source, discussions related to Syria will focus on economic recovery and its gradual reintegration into the global financial system after years of war and economic isolation.

The inclusion of the Syrian file in these meetings comes as the country witnesses moves linked to a gradual economic reopening, including discussions on financial reintegration, reconstruction, and easing some trade and financial restrictions imposed over the past years.

Syria and Ukraine are expected to participate in parts of the discussions, underscoring the G7’s interest in the stability of countries considered pivotal to regional and global security, according to the agency.

The informed source told Reuters that Syria’s participation comes as part of preparations for the G7 leaders’ summit scheduled for next June, and reflects a trend toward bringing the administration of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa closer to major economies.

He added that Damascus’s participation in the G7 financial track represents a new step in its efforts to return to the international system, attract support for reconstruction efforts, and present itself as a pivotal state in the shifts reshaping the region.

Global Economic Files

The G7 finance ministers’ meeting in Paris will discuss global trade tensions, economic relations between the United States and China, the repercussions of the war in the Middle East, the possibility of disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the impact of those issues on inflation, supply chains, and energy markets.

Participants will also discuss coordinating supplies of rare minerals and critical raw materials, as part of Western efforts to reduce reliance on China in global supply chains.

Accelerating Economic Moves

Recent months have seen European steps linked to reopening channels of economic cooperation with Syria after years of frozen relations and broad restrictions on trade and financial exchange, alongside indications of a review of some economic sanctions tools and the easing of specific restrictions tied to commercial and financial activities.

The European Union also announced, on May 11, support packages directed at recovery projects and improving basic services in Syria, within support tracks linked to reconstruction and strengthening economic stability, amid an international trend toward expanding gradual economic engagement with Syria through technical and development channels.

In parallel, Damascus recently witnessed the holding of investment forums and meetings that brought together Syrian, Arab, and foreign businesspeople and investors, focusing on investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, real estate, transport, and services.

Projects linked to reconstruction and the rehabilitation of vital facilities were also presented during these events, amid growing talk of regional companies entering the Syrian market and exploring long-term investment opportunities, at a time when oversight mechanisms, transparency, and the legal framework governing these investments remain under discussion in economic circles.

Domestically, this step coincides with the restructuring of the banking sector and the strengthening of financial compliance and transparency procedures, in an effort to prepare the financial environment for any possible return to dealings with international banking institutions and to ease concerns linked to legal risks and previous sanctions.