The International Monetary Fund appoints a distinguished economic expert to lead its mission to Syria.

Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Yasar Baridi announced the appointment of veteran economist Ron van Rooden as the head of the International Monetary Fund mission to Syria, marking the first time in 14 years since the start of the Syrian crisis.

The announcement was made during the Syrian minister's participation in the annual spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, which began on April 21 and will continue until the 26th of the same month.

Baridi confirmed in an official statement that the appointment was made at the request of the Syrian government, describing it as "an important step paving the way for constructive dialogue between Syria and the Fund, serving economic recovery and improving living conditions for Syrians." The minister also posted a photo with van Rooden on his LinkedIn account, emphasizing the strategic importance of this appointment.

Reuters quoted an informed source confirming the validity of this appointment, although the Fund has not issued any official statement on the matter so far.

It is worth noting that Syria had no official dealings with the IMF over the past forty years, with the last contact between them being through a mission that visited Damascus in late 2009, before the outbreak of the popular protests that later turned into an armed conflict.

Van Rooden's appointment carries significant implications, as it is seen as an indicator of a potential shift in Syria's relationship with international financial institutions, especially amidst government efforts to economically rehabilitate after recent political changes.

Van Rooden currently serves as Deputy Director in the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the Fund, overseeing the Jordan mission, and possesses extensive experience in dealing with post-conflict countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Yemen.