Iraq reopens the “Crossing Crossing” with Syria to enhance economic ties

Iraq has officially re -opened the border crossing with Syria to the trade movement and travelers, in an important step in the efforts to normalize relations and revive economic ties between the two countries, according to a spokesman for the Iraqi border ports authority.

“The Al -Qaim crossing is now fully for the movement of commercial trucks and the transportation of civilians,” the spokesman told Reuters, adding that the reopening of it came after joint security assessments conducted by Iraqi and Syrian officials.

The move came three months after the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al -Shaibani to Baghdad, and Iraq urged him to resume across the border.

The crossing was closed in the wake of the campaign launched by the opposition fighters, and led to the overthrow of former President Bashar al -Assad last year, and was repeatedly closed during the years of conflict that destabilized the region.

The reopening of the crossing is also seen as an indication of the improvement of relations between Baghdad and the new Syrian leadership headed by Ahmed Al -Shara, who sought to rebuild diplomatic and economic relations with neighboring countries.

Iraqi officials say that the two governments intensified coordination in the field of border security and facilitating trade since Sharia took over the presidency last year.

“This crossing will be a strategic passage for the trade of goods between Iraq and Syria,” said Turki Al -Mahlawi, the mayor of Al -Qaim, where the border crossing is located.