(MENAFN) Transit transport between Türkiye and Syria is set to officially begin this month, as coordination between both sides at border crossings continues to progress rapidly, according to the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.

Mazen Alloush, the authority’s director of public relations, said that regular meetings with Turkish officials have ensured swift problem-solving and close cooperation in areas such as trade, logistics, and border management. “We hold meetings with Turkish officials almost weekly. When a problem arises, we establish mutual communication and resolve it within our means,” he stated.

He noted that the transit transport agreement signed in Istanbul in August is now being implemented, with freight transshipment procedures to be phased out this month. Syrian drivers will soon be able to obtain Turkish visas from the Turkish Consulate in Aleppo within ten days, while Turkish drivers will be allowed to receive visas directly at the border.

Alloush added that Turkish authorities have preliminarily approved a decision allowing Syrians with dual citizenship to enter Türkiye using Syrian-plated vehicles, with enforcement expected shortly. The plan also includes expanding Syria’s transportation network to enable drivers to reach Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Europe, and Gulf states via Türkiye.

He commended Türkiye for facilitating humanitarian aid and supporting Syrian infrastructure development, stating that “Turkish brothers continue to support Syria to the best of their capabilities.” He also confirmed that new radar systems have been installed at Damascus International Airport, allowing night flights to resume.

Reflecting on developments since Syria’s “liberation” in December 2024, Alloush said that all land crossings and seaports—once destroyed—have been rehabilitated. The Nasib crossing with Jordan, the newly opened Tiyyas crossing with Lebanon, and the ports of Latakia and Tartus are now fully operational. More than three million tons of fuel have been imported, with 333 ships passing through Latakia and over 700 through Tartus since December, handling a combined total of 110,000 containers.

Phosphate and livestock remain Syria’s main exports, while legal imports continue without restrictions, he said.

Alloush emphasized that corruption, bribery, and smuggling that were once rampant at ports have been eradicated, stating that all services are now free of charge and that offering gifts or bribes is strictly prohibited. Smuggling prevention has been strengthened with K9 units and advanced scanning systems, and over 20 new X-ray machines are being installed across all border posts.

Discussing cross-border movement, Alloush said that talks continue regarding visit permits for Syrians under temporary protection in Türkiye, which were recently suspended. However, a new regulation allows Syrians with dual nationality to bring vehicles into Syria using valid or expired Syrian passports, with the security deposit fee reduced from $50 to $15 to ease border crossings.

“Our gates are wide open to our people,” he said. “We are building modern international transit corridors on the ruins of the old gates. Next year, all of Syria’s borders will be fully equipped, economically active, and operating under a single standard.”

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