The Border Ports Commission announced on Sunday an agreement with Syria to establish direct communication channels between Iraqi and Syrian border crossings. This initiative aims to facilitate information exchange, integration, and coordination to address any potential obstacles and ensure the smooth flow of commercial operations.
Commission spokesman Alaa Al-Din Al-Qaisi stated that, in accordance with the Prime Minister's directives to enhance communication and trade with the Syrian Arab Republic—specifically by activating the Rabia, Al-Walid, and Al-Qaim crossings—a joint meeting was held via video conference. The meeting brought together the Head of the Border Ports Commission, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli; the Director General of the General Authority of Customs, Thamer Qasim Dawood; and the Director General of the General Company for Land Transport, Murtada Al-Shahmani. Representing the Syrian side, the meeting was chaired by Qutaiba Badawi, Head of the General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, accompanied by his deputies for border crossings and customs, Khaled Al-Barrad and Tamim. He added that the key points agreed upon were as follows:
* Establishing direct communication channels between Iraqi and Syrian border crossings to facilitate information exchange, integration, and coordination in addressing any emerging obstacles, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of commercial operations.
* Agreeing to resume passenger traffic through the Al-Walid crossing—following the completion of passport control halls and designated access roads, expected early next year—while maintaining passenger entry through the Rabia and Al-Qaim crossings.
* Mutual agreement to exchange customs data electronically to save time and ensure data accuracy and conformity regarding descriptions, weights, and customs duties.
* Agreeing on reciprocal access for drivers from both countries to alleviate burdens and boost trade volume.
* Designating new routes for commercial traffic and passengers within the crossings to ensure smooth flow.
* Allocating specific routes for the passage of gasoline and fuel oil tankers, as well as trucks carrying perishable goods, given the specific requirements of these shipments.
* Facilitating the passage of cross-border transit trucks.
Iraq and Syria agree to open direct channels to facilitate the movement of trade through border crossings.
