New Turkiye-Syria deal reopens direct land routes, boosts Gulf trade links
Turkiye has been expanding its economic, political, and military influence in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad
Turkiye and Syria have signed a new memorandum of understanding to resume direct overland transportation, marking a significant step in restoring bilateral trade ties disrupted by years of war. Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced the agreement on 29 June during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum held in Istanbul.
The newly signed deal revives the 2004 International Road Transport Agreement between the two countries, allowing trucks to cross the border without the need for transferring cargo to new trucks on the opposite side to resume the journey.
"Cargo transfer at border crossings will end, allowing goods to be transported directly between Turkiye and Syria without the need for transshipment," Uraloglu told Anadolu Agency. This move is expected to significantly reduce costs, enhance trade efficiency, and simplify logistical processes, the minister added.
Beyond facilitating bilateral trade, the agreement also enables transit transport routes from Turkiye through Syria to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf nations. This expanded access is set to bolster Turkiye's strategic ambitions to connect with Gulf economies via the Middle Corridor—an overland trade route linking Asia to Europe.
The breakthrough in transport ties comes after major political changes in Syria. Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's decades-long rule in December 2024, a transitional government led by former ISIS commander Ahmad al-Sharaa assumed power in January 2025.
The change in leadership has opened the door to renewed regional and international partnerships, particularly with Turkiye, which has expanded its influence in Syria in recent years.
Ankara's presence in Syria has grown substantially in recent years, even before Assad's fall. The Turkish military has established 126 installations across the country – primarily in the Aleppo region – according to the Turkiye-based Jusoor Center for Studies. These include 12 bases and 114 outposts. Turkiye has also signed long-term military and economic agreements with Syria's new government.
Turkish influence extends deep into Syria's defense establishment. Several leaders from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) now hold top positions in the new Defense Ministry. Among them is Muhammad al-Jassim, known as Abu Amsha, the former head of the SNA's Sultan Suleiman Shah Division. He was appointed brigadier general and now commands the 25th Division in Hama. His appointment followed the division's controversial role in the March 2025 massacre of more than 1,600 Alawite civilians in Syria's coastal region.