Syria and Turkey Sign Customs Cooperation Agreement and Launch Transit Passage through Bab al-Hawa and Salama

In a step that reflects the development of economic relations between Syria and Turkey, the two sides signed a new customs cooperation agreement today, Wednesday, aimed at facilitating trade and land transport, and activating transit passage around the clock through the Bab al-Hawa and Salama crossings, which are among the most prominent border crossings between the two countries.

The agreement comes as part of joint efforts to reactivate trade exchange and overcome customs obstacles that have affected the movement of exports and imports in recent years. The agreement includes coordinating customs procedures, simplifying inspection mechanisms, and providing a safe and fast environment for the passage of goods, positively reflecting on local markets in northern Syria and on Turkish exporters.

It is expected that opening the crossings around the clock will contribute to increasing the volume of trade exchange and improving the flow of essential goods, especially in the food, medical, and construction sectors, which heavily rely on imports through these crossings.

This step comes in the context of broader moves to reactivate economic agreements between Syria and Turkey, amid indications of both parties' desire to rebuild trade trust and expand regional cooperation.