Syria and Jordan discuss railway linkage and facilitate shipping movement
Syria and Jordan are exploring ways to enhance transportation cooperation and address shipping challenges during a meeting between their transport ministers at an Istanbul conference.
The Syrian Minister of Transport, Ya'rob Badr, met with Jordanian Minister of Transport, Nidhal Qatawneh, to explore bilateral cooperation in the transport sector and address challenges facing land shipping and railway linkage projects between the two countries. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the second conference of transport ministers from Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Istanbul, Turkey. During this meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of finding solutions to the new challenges in truck movement across the border, which would ensure better land transport efficiency and serve the interests of transporters and traders while boosting trade between Damascus and Amman.
Both ministers stressed the necessity of intensifying joint efforts to reach practical solutions, particularly given the current circumstances affecting the transport sector in Syria. They highlighted the importance of developing frameworks for bilateral cooperation and enhancing technical and administrative coordination among relevant authorities in both countries. The agreement also underlined the significance of reinstating direct transport systems as a fundamental pillar for supporting trade flow and facilitating the movement of goods.
Regarding the railway sector, discussions included the future of the Hejaz Railway, which historically linked Syria and Jordan. Revitalizing this connection could potentially lead to improved trade routes and increased economic cooperation, thereby enhancing regional trade dynamics. The ministers' focus on these infrastructure projects reflects a broader ambition to bolster economic ties and market access between Syria and Jordan amidst fluctuating regional conditions.