On Sunday, Iraq and Syria agreed on new measures to facilitate trade and transport links through their border crossings. Key steps include the electronic exchange of customs data, streamlined passage for transit trucks, and the expansion of the Rabia border crossing. The agreements were reached via videoconference. Iraq was represented by Omar Adnan al-Waeli, head of the Border Crossings Authority, along with officials from the customs and land transport authorities. Syria was represented by Qutaiba Badawi, head of the General Directorate of Border Crossings and Customs, and ministry officials.
The sides agreed to establish direct communication channels between Iraqi and Syrian border crossings to exchange information and coordinate their work, as well as to remove obstacles hindering a stable flow of trade. Electronic customs-data exchange should reduce processing times and allow officials to verify cargo information, including descriptions, weights, and customs duties. The two countries also agreed to grant reciprocal access to their drivers, reducing the burden on carriers and supporting trade. The passage of transit trucks across the border will be streamlined separately.
New lanes for commercial traffic and passengers will be designated at the border crossings, along with special routes for fuel tankers, fuel-oil tankers, and trucks carrying perishable goods. The Rabia border crossing will be expanded by 100 dunams (100,000 sq. m) to increase its capacity for trucks and tankers. These steps are part of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen ties with Syria through the Rabia, Al-Walid, and Al-Qaim crossings. Passenger traffic through Al-Walid is expected to resume after passport halls and roads are completed—likely at the beginning of next year—while passenger traffic continues through Rabia and Al-Qaim.
The new agreements follow economic talks held during the first week of September by Iraqi Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar al-Ani and Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar. They discussed increasing bilateral trade and expanding Iraqi exports to Syria. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 118th regular session of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States. The sides discussed expanding economic cooperation and removing barriers, particularly to the access of Iraqi goods—such as cement and asphalt—to the Syrian market. Iraq and Syria confirmed that they would continue coordinating efforts to implement these measures.
Comments on the News
Which Syrian border crossings correspond to Iraq’s Rabia, Al-Walid, and Al-Qaim crossings, which Syrian provinces do they connect, and who controls them on the Syrian side? — As of February 2024, Iraq’s Rabia crossing in Nineveh Governorate corresponds to Syria’s Al-Yarubiyah crossing in Hasakah Governorate, which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). Iraq’s Al-Walid crossing in Anbar Governorate corresponds to Syria’s Al-Tanf crossing in Homs Governorate, which is controlled by the US-backed opposition group Maghawir al-Thawra and US forces; the crossing is closed. Iraq’s Al-Qaim crossing in Anbar Governorate corresponds to Syria’s Al-Bukamal (Abu Kamal) crossing in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, which is controlled by Syrian government forces and allied Iranian militias.
How had Syria’s participation in the League of Arab States changed by the 118th session of the Economic and Social Council, and why is this important for Syrian-Iraqi economic agreements? — Syria’s membership in the League of Arab States was suspended in 2011, but it was restored on May 7, 2023, at the summit in Jeddah. By the 118th session of the League’s Economic and Social Council, held in Cairo in February 2024, Syria was again participating as a full member, allowing it to take part in Arab economic decisions and negotiations. This is important for Syrian-Iraqi economic agreements because Syria’s return to the League gives bilateral deals Arab legitimacy, facilitates trade, the reopening of border crossings (Al-Qaim/Al-Bukamal and Rabia/Al-Yarubiyah), and participation in Arab economic frameworks such as the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and a customs union. This supports the implementation of Syrian-Iraqi projects in trade, transport, and energy.
Full version: العراق وسوريا يتفقان على ترتيبات لتسهيل التجارة وحركة المسافرين