DAMASCUS/LONDON: An end to U.S. sanctions on Syria is expected to mark a new era for an economy devastated by 13 years of war, opening the way for investment flows from the Syrian diaspora, Turkey, and Gulf states that back the new government.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday had tea with a former jihadist who until recently had a $10 million US bounty on his head.

But the country must also modernise monetary policy, rewire banking and reconnect with global markets, argues Abdulkader Husrieh

Turkish companies and banks will benefit from a lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, Onur Genc, chief executive officer of financial group BBVA said on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first such encounter between the leaders of those two countries in 25 years.

Syria’s president has flown to Bahrain, where he discussed mutual relations and regional affairs with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on his latest trip abroad since taking office in January