DAMASCUS — Saudi Arabia and Syria signed four agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of roads, railways, postal services, and aviation, further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the transport and logistics sectors.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser and his Syrian counterpart Ya’rub Badr signed the agreements during a ceremony held in Damascus on Thursday.
The agreements include two memoranda of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in transport and logistics, particularly in the railway and land transport sectors. The MoUs aim to build capacity, exchange expertise, and conduct technical studies that will contribute to the rehabilitation of Syrian roads and railway networks, as well as the revitalization of transportation and trade across Syrian territory.
The agreements come at a time of growing regional interest in connectivity and transport projects, particularly amid efforts to develop alternative land and rail routes that can enhance trade and transportation links between the region, Asia, and Europe.
The signing was preceded by a meeting between the two ministers, during which they discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation in transportation and logistics, expand trade, and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
Minister Al-Jasser emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with Syria and advancing relations between the two countries at the highest possible pace, whether at the governmental or private-sector level, or through cooperation with international organizations and other relevant entities. He noted that these efforts aimed to bolster the partnership and support development and reconstruction efforts.
Al-Jasser noted that his visit further strengthens the path of joint cooperation between the two countries, particularly in light of the Kingdom’s significant achievements, programs, and projects across various sectors within the framework of its national vision.
The minister added that the meetings between the two sides involved the exchange of numerous ideas and experiences, in addition to discussions on a number of agreements that will contribute to broadening the horizons of joint cooperation.
For his part, Minister Badr affirmed that the Saudi delegation’s visit comes amid economic and commercial developments in Syria, opening broader horizons for partnership between the two sides. He commended the measures taken by the Kingdom to facilitate the issuance of visas for truck drivers, thereby supporting the movement of trade in both directions.
Badr expressed Syria’s aspiration to strengthen joint cooperation with the Kingdom across various transport and logistics sectors, particularly in developing land transport and railway networks and benefiting from the Kingdom’s advanced expertise and experience. He noted that this would contribute to achieving common interests and enhancing regional connectivity between the two countries and the wider region.
Source: Saudi Gazette