Anbar: Iraq has reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, reinstating both trade and passenger movement through the strategic gateway. A spokesman for the Iraqi border authority confirmed the decision on Saturday, calling it a significant milestone in efforts to normalize relations and boost economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
Trade and Transit Resume
“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,” the spokesman told Reuters, noting that the reopening followed joint security evaluations conducted by Iraqi and Syrian authorities.
This move follows a diplomatic push by Syria earlier this year. In March, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad, urging Iraq to resume trade and cross-border connectivity after years of disruption caused by regional instability and conflict.
The crossing had been closed since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war, which led to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government and caused severe damage to cross-border infrastructure and relations.
First Truck and Civilian Movement
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Border Crossings Authority, the first Syrian truck crossed into Iraq on Saturday following inspection procedures, symbolizing the resumption of official bilateral trade. The statement added that “passenger movement has also resumed in order to ease the burden on Iraqi citizens when traveling in and out of the country.”
A Sign of Strengthening Ties
The reopening of Qaim is being widely interpreted as a sign of warming relations between Baghdad and Damascus under Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Since taking office last year, al-Sharaa has emphasized the importance of rebuilding ties with regional neighbors, particularly Iraq, with whom Syria shares deep historical, cultural, and economic connections.
Iraqi officials report an uptick in diplomatic coordination, especially in the areas of border security, customs operations, and trade logistics, as both governments seek to stabilize the region and revitalize their economies.
Strategic Importance
Located in Iraq’s western Anbar province, the town of al-Qaim is a vital point for overland trade with Syria. Local leaders and economic experts believe the crossing will quickly evolve into a major route for the movement of goods between the two countries.
“This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,” said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of al-Qaim, underscoring the town’s central role in the growing partnership.
