Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Iraq on Saturday reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for both cargo trucks and civilian travel, marking a major step in reviving cross-border trade and rebuilding relations with its war-torn neighbor.

“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,” a spokesman for Iraq’s border authority. He noted that the reopening followed joint security assessments conducted by Iraqi and Syrian officials.

The crossing, located in Iraq’s western Anbar province, had been closed for years following Syria’s civil conflict and the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad, urging Iraqi leaders to resume trade and people-to-people ties.

A statement from Iraq’s border crossings authority confirmed that the first Syrian truck passed through the border post on Saturday after routine inspection. Passenger movement also resumed, with officials citing a desire to ease travel for Iraqi citizens.

Local officials view the crossing as a vital economic artery. “This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,” said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the border town of al-Qaim.

The reopening also signals improved ties between Baghdad and Damascus under Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has prioritized restoring regional partnerships since taking office last year. Iraqi officials say bilateral coordination on border security and trade facilitation has increased significantly.

The Qaim crossing is expected to boost commercial activity and create new economic opportunities in western Iraq and eastern Syria, two regions that have long struggled with insecurity and underdevelopment.

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