Ankara: The number of transport trips from Trkiye to Syria is expected to double this year, increasing from the 189,000 trips recorded last year, according to a sector representative.

According to Anadolu Agency, Serafettin Araz, chairman of the Turkish International Transporters' Association (UND), stated that future stability in Syria would facilitate this increase in transport activity. He noted that Syria accounted for 10% of Trkiye's total 2.1 million transport trips last year, with its share rising 11% annually in 2024, reaching a trade value of $2 billion.

Araz expressed a desire to streamline the transport of Turkish goods directly into Syria, bypassing border gates, and highlighted ongoing negotiations by Turkish officials to revive the Free Trade Agreement made before the civil war. 'Syria needs to be rebuilt, and we estimate that Trkiye's transported goods to Syria will increase the activities in the region and create a serious momentum for both Trkiye and Syria,' he added.

He emphasized Trkiye's consistent trade relations with its neighbors, including Syria and Iraq, and projected an increase in exports to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan alongside Syria's stabilization. Araz also indicated that European cargo transport to Gulf countries via Syria is likely to rise as the situation stabilizes.

Furthermore, Araz underscored Trkiye's strategic geopolitical position in global trade, particularly amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine. 'We expect Trkiye's transit transports and trade to increase, and I think this will be with all of Europe and Asia,' he said.