Türkiye, Syria resume direct road transport with new agreement

Turkiye Transport and Infrastructure Ministry

Türkiye and Syria have signed a new memorandum of understanding on international road transport, setting the stage for the resumption of direct overland trade between the two nations.

The memorandum revives a 2004 bilateral road transport agreement and will eliminate the need for cargo transfers at the border.

“Goods will now be transported directly between Türkiye and Syria without transshipment, making trade faster, simpler, and more cost-effective. The restoration of transport links will strengthen our countries’ roles in regional trade connecting Europe and Asia,” Uraloğlu stated during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul.

He added that t will also help integrate the Middle Corridor with Gulf nations, facilitating direct overland access from Türkiye to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other Gulf states.

The two countries have also agreed to collaborate in various aspects of freight and passenger transportation, including organizing joint training programs for industry professionals.

According to Uraloğlu, restoring direct transport links will not only enhance Türkiye and Syria's roles in regional trade between Europe and Asia but also support integration of the Middle Corridor with Gulf economies.

This development follows the fall of Syria’s long-standing Assad regime last December. A transitional government took power in January, paving the way for renewed diplomatic and economic ties with regional and international partners.

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