Iraq and Syria agreed today, Sunday, to open direct communication channels and expand the Rabi'a crossing by 100 dunams, in addition to resuming passenger movement through the Al-Waleed crossing at the beginning of next year and electronically exchanging customs data to enhance trade between the two countries.
The Border Ports Authority stated in a statement received by the Video News Agency that the joint meeting was held via video conference based on the directives of the Prime Minister to enhance communication and trade exchange with the Syrian Arab Republic by activating the crossings (Rabi'a, Al-Waleed, and Al-Qaim). The meeting included the head of the Border Ports Authority, Major General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, the Director General of the General Customs Authority, Thamer Qasim Dawood, and the Director General of the General Transport Company, Murtada Al-Shahmani, while the Syrian side was headed by the head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, along with his assistants for ports and customs, Khalid Al-Barad and Tamim.
It added that the meeting witnessed an agreement to open direct communication channels between the Iraqi and Syrian ports to exchange information and coordinate to ensure smooth commercial activity, in addition to resuming passenger movement through the Al-Waleed crossing after completing the passport halls and designated roads expected to be finished at the beginning of next year, while continuing the entry of passengers via the Rabi'a and Al-Qaim crossings.
It continued that an agreement was reached on electronically exchanging customs data to save time and ensure data accuracy, equal access for truck drivers from both countries to increase trade exchange, and to allocate new routes for trade and passengers, as well as for fuel and oil tankers and trucks carrying perishable goods, along with facilitating the passage of transit trucks and expanding the Rabi'a crossing by adding 100 dunams to accommodate trucks and tankers, while emphasizing at the conclusion of the meeting on maintaining communication and coordination for the economic benefit of both countries.