Move opens the way for expanded digital cooperation, innovation and investment opportunities

 The Syrian Arab Republic has signed the Charter of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), becoming a Signatory Member and taking a significant step toward full membership in the organization.

The signing follows the DCO Council’s recent approval of Syria’s candidature, alongside seven other countries, as part of a process that could expand cooperation in the digital economy.

H.E. Eng. Abdulsalam Haykal, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Syria, formally handed the signed Charter to DCO Secretary-General Ms. Deemah AlYahya at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The move is expected to create broader opportunities for cooperation in areas including digital capability development, talent development, startups, innovation and digital investment.

Syria’s digital sector currently includes more than 200 active technology startups, approximately 19.5 million mobile subscribers and around 9.01 million internet users, providing a growing base for greater participation in the digital economy.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said Syria’s participation in multilateral digital cooperation would add a new perspective to efforts to build a more connected and inclusive digital economy.

“At DCO, we believe the value of membership is measured by its ability to translate cooperation between countries into measurable outcomes,” she said.

She added that the organization looks forward to involving Syria in DCO initiatives and partnerships aimed at expanding knowledge exchange, connecting national priorities with international expertise and solutions, and strengthening Syria’s contribution to shaping the future of the digital economy regionally and globally.

As Syria progresses through the membership process, it will have opportunities to deepen cooperation with DCO Member States, participate in joint initiatives and programmes, and benefit from the organization’s network spanning governments, the private sector, international organizations, academia and civil society.

The cooperation is expected to support digital capability development, innovation and more inclusive and sustainable digital growth.

The development follows the DCO’s announcement that its Council had approved the candidatures of eight countries for membership. If the accession procedures are completed, DCO membership would increase from 16 to 24 countries, representing approximately 980 million people.