The Iraqi Border Ports Authority announced today, Saturday, the resumption of trade exchange movements and the movement of passengers in the border outlet with Syria, in an important step within the efforts to normalize relations and revive economic ties between the two countries.
The authority said in a statement that the reopening of the port to receive travelers and the resumption of trade exchange between Iraq and Syria is an important step to enhance economic cooperation in a way that meets the needs of the two countries, noting that its opening will contribute to achieving stability as well as meeting the requirements of the Iraqi market.
The commission monitored the entry of the first Syrian truck to the port after undergoing inspection and residence procedures, as the exchange takes place inside the Iraqi border port.
The authority added that the resumption of the movement of passengers came “in order to reduce the burden on Iraqi citizens in their departure and return to the country, in addition to operating the workforce and truck drivers and buses.”
Last December, the Al -Qaim crossing was closed, west of Anbar Governorate, west of the capital, Baghdad, after the developments of the Syrian events and the fall of a regime Bashar al -AssadBUSHANNAGE Syrian army On the opposite side of the crossing in the city of Albukamal, it prevented any transit movement except for the Iraqis who wish to return to their country from Syrian territory, according to Al -Jazeera Net correspondent.
For its part, the General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports in Syria announced this morning the opening of the Al -Qaim Al -Boumal border crossing with Iraq in front of the movement of passengers and trucks, in the context of its continuous efforts to revitalize the crossings, expand its role in supporting the national economy, and facilitating the humanitarian and commercial transit movement.
In a statement, the authority affirmed its continuation in developing the infrastructure of the crossings, and enhancing the services provided in a manner befitting the position of Syria and its pivotal role in the movement of transport and trade, according to what the official SANA agency reported.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Iraqi Border Ports Authority told Reuters that “the Al -Qaim crossing is now fully for the movement of commercial trucks and the transportation of civilians,” adding that the reopening of it came after joint security assessments conducted by Iraqi and Syrian officials.
The move comes 3 months after the visit of the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al -Shaibani toBaghdad Iraq urged him to resume across border trade.
The reopening of the crossing is also seen as an indication of the improvement of relations between Baghdad and the new Syrian leadership headed by Ahmed Al -Shara, who sought to rebuild diplomatic and economic relations with neighboring countries, according to Reuters.
Iraqi officials say that the two governments intensified coordination in the field of border security and facilitating trade since the law took over the presidency last year.
“This crossing will be a strategic passage for the trade of goods between Iraq Growria“.