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- Trump Plans Saudi Visit; Syria Gets Printed Cash; WTA-PIF Partner for Maternity Fund
Trump Plans Saudi Visit; Syria Gets Printed Cash; WTA-PIF Partner for Maternity Fund
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Happy Saturday everyone!
Stories we are covering today:
Trump Eyes Saudi Visit – Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, strengthening ties as the Kingdom invests heavily in U.S. defense and trade.
Syria’s Russian Cash Lifeline – Syria received a new shipment of its locally printed currency from Russia, a crucial move to ease its cash crisis amid economic instability.
WTA-PIF Maternity Fund – The Women’s Tennis Association, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has launched a fully funded maternity leave program, setting a new precedent in women’s sports.
Read on for more.
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Trump Plans Saudi Arabia Visit Amid Military Deals and Diplomatic Talks
📰 What is it about?
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia in the next month and a half.
He emphasized his strong relationship with the Kingdom, citing major investments in U.S. military equipment and other sectors.
Trump hinted that Saudi Arabia could be his first official foreign visit, similar to his first term.
He also mentioned a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia but did not confirm specifics.
💡 Why it matters?
Saudi Arabia has pledged a massive $600 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, strengthening economic ties.
The visit could reinforce Saudi-U.S. cooperation on defense and trade, impacting global security and energy markets.
Trump recently addressed Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative (FII) and praised its role in global diplomacy, highlighting its growing influence.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation between Washington and Moscow further positions it as a key geopolitical player.
🔜 What’s next?
Trump’s visit could set the stage for new military and economic agreements between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
A potential Trump-Putin meeting in the Kingdom may signal shifts in U.S.-Russia relations.
The trip could influence Trump’s foreign policy direction if he secures a second term.
Further details on the visit are expected in the coming weeks.
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Markets
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Syria Receives Russian Cash Shipment Amid Strengthening Ties
📰 What is it about?
Syria received a new shipment of its local currency printed in Russia, with more shipments expected in the future.
The cash arrived at Damascus airport and was transported to the central bank in a convoy of trucks.
Syria has relied on Russia for currency printing since its contract with an Austrian firm was canceled due to European sanctions.
This is the second cash shipment since Bashar al-Assad was ousted on December 8.
💡 Why it matters?
The cash shipments are crucial for Syria’s struggling economy, which has been suffering from a severe currency shortage.
Delays in these shipments have contributed to economic instability, limiting depositors’ access to savings and pressuring local businesses.
Russia’s continued financial support signals its commitment to maintaining influence in Syria, despite Assad’s removal.
Syria’s currency has strengthened on the black market since Assad’s fall, partly due to these cash injections and eased trade restrictions.
🔜 What’s next?
More Russian cash shipments are expected, potentially stabilizing Syria’s economy in the short term.
The long-term impact of these injections on inflation and economic recovery remains uncertain.
U.S. policy on Syria and potential sanctions could influence the flow of financial aid from Russia and other nations.
The Syrian government faces pressure to implement economic reforms as the country navigates post-war reconstruction.
WTA Introduces Paid Maternity Leave with Saudi PIF Backing
What is happening?
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has launched a new maternity leave policy offering up to 12 months of paid leave for female players.
Around 320 players, regardless of their ranking, will receive the same undisclosed financial support.
The initiative is fully funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a global partner of the WTA Tour.
Grants will also be available for fertility treatments, including egg freezing and IVF.
Why it matters:
This is the first fully funded maternity program in women’s sports, setting a precedent for gender inclusivity in athletics.
Players will not have to repay the funds if they choose not to return to professional tennis.
The policy also includes two months of paid leave for players becoming parents via partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption.
It aligns with the broader push for better work-life balance and career sustainability for female athletes.
What’s next?
More players may now feel encouraged to start families without fearing career setbacks.
The program could inspire similar initiatives in other professional sports.
PIF’s growing involvement in global sports continues to shape the future of international athletics.
Long-term impact and player reception will be closely watched in the coming years.