Iraq and Syria have discussed measures to facilitate trade and resume passenger transit through the Al-Walid border crossing, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and transport links between the two countries.

On Sunday, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, Chairman of Iraq’s Border Ports Commission, held talks with Qutaiba Badawi, Head of Syria’s General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, during a visit to the Al-Walid border crossing in Anbar Governorate.

According to a statement from the Border Ports Commission, the visit was carried out in line with the Prime Minister’s directives to diversify trade and economic partnerships, strengthen ties with neighboring countries and the wider region, and expand Iraq’s engagement with international markets.

During the visit, Al-Waeli conducted a field assessment of the crossing’s operations and reviewed measures aimed at improving its performance, enhancing services, and facilitating trade with Syria.

He also chaired an expanded meeting with representatives of government departments and agencies operating at the crossing. Discussions focused on operational conditions, coordination among relevant authorities, and obstacles affecting the smooth processing of border procedures. Participants emphasized addressing these challenges within established legal and administrative frameworks while maintaining the necessary standards of border control and oversight.

Al-Waeli subsequently toured the crossing’s facilities, yards, and infrastructure to assess their condition and the readiness of essential services. He also reviewed truck traffic and identified infrastructure and operational requirements needed to improve the crossing’s efficiency, in coordination with the Anbar Governorate.

On the sidelines of the visit, Al-Waeli met with Badawi and senior officials from the Syrian authority to discuss the development of the Al-Walid–Al-Tanf border crossing and measures to enhance its operational capacity.

The discussions covered the facilitation of bilateral trade, the resumption of passenger transit once the necessary terminals and roads are completed, and mechanisms for exporting petroleum products. The officials also discussed measures to ensure the smooth movement of trucks engaged in trade and transit between the two countries.

The Syrian delegation emphasized the importance of continued coordination and joint cooperation to expand transit and trade, with the aim of supporting the mutual economic interests of Iraq and Syria.

The Border Ports Commission said the visit forms part of Al-Waeli’s ongoing field oversight of border crossings and efforts to improve their performance and efficiency. It added that the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of border crossings as key gateways for trade and transportation and to increase non-oil revenues, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and approved security and oversight procedures.