Istanbul: Trkiye and Syria have reached a significant milestone by signing a new memorandum of understanding on international road transport, effectively reinstating direct land transportation between the two nations. This development was announced by Abdulkadir Uraloglu, the Turkish transport and infrastructure minister, during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum held in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement marks the revival of the 2004 International Road Transport Agreement between Trkiye and Syria. The newly signed deal will enable trucks to cross the border without the need to transfer goods to another vehicle, streamlining trade by making it faster, easier, and more cost-effective. Uraloglu emphasized that the elimination of cargo transfer at border crossings will allow goods to be transported directly between the two countries, removing the need for transshipment.

The agreement also facilitates the initiation of transit transport operations, allowing direct overland access from Trkiye to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other Gulf countries. Additionally, officials from both nations will collaborate on various aspects of passenger and freight transport, including the organization of mutual training programs.

Uraloglu highlighted that the resumption of transport links between Trkiye and Syria is expected to bolster both nations' positions in regional trade between Europe and Asia. This development will also contribute to integrating the Middle Corridor with Gulf nations. The recent change in Syria's political landscape, following the fall of the Assad regime and the establishment of a transitional government, has facilitated stronger ties with neighboring countries and beyond.