Syria's central bank issues guidelines on launching new currency

Syria's central bank on Sunday issued detailed guidelines for the launch of a new national currency, confirming plans to remove two zeros from the Syrian pound as part of a major monetary reform planned for 2026.

Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husrieh said under the reform, every 100 old pounds will be exchanged for one new pound. The exchange process will start on Jan. 1, 2026, and run for 90 days, with a possible extension if needed. Both old and new banknotes will circulate during the transition. Vendors will be required to accept both.

Husrieh stressed that the currency exchange would be carried out free of charge, with no commissions, fees, or taxes imposed under any circumstances.

The measure constitutes a direct currency replacement and will not increase the overall money supply. He described it as a key step to maintain price stability during the transition.

Starting from Jan. 1, 2026, all bank account balances and electronic accounts within Syria will be denominated in the new Syrian pound. Husrieh noted that the new currency forms part of a broader monetary reform package aimed at improving cash circulation, simplifying daily transactions, and strengthening financial stability after years of economic strain. The new banknotes feature enhanced security measures against counterfeiting while highlighting Syria’s culture, history, and geographical characteristic.

Syria's central bank issues guidelines on launching new currency

China's top political advisor Wang Huning has met with delegates attending a national congress of the Buddhist Association of China from Sunday to Monday in Beijing.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, stressed the importance of implementing the Party's basic policy on religious affairs and guiding Buddhist figures and believers to contribute to the country's modernization drive.

Wang urged the association to exercise full and rigorous governance over the religion, intensify efforts to raise awareness of the rule of law, and guide monastics to abide by the law, uphold monastic rules and precepts, and maintain the right faith and conduct.

He encouraged the association to cultivate talent proficient in both the canonical teachings and fine traditional Chinese culture, and to expand exchanges with the wider world on Buddhism.

At its 11th national congress, the association adopted a revised charter and a set of religious rules and regulations, and elected a new leadership for the association.

Top political advisor meets Chinese Buddhist delegates