Iraq and Syria agree on border measures to ease trade and travel

Iraq and Syria have agreed on new border measures to facilitate trade and passenger movement, including electronic customs data exchange and expansion of the Rabia crossing.

• In a video call, the two countries agreed to exchange customs data electronically and open direct communication channels between their border crossings.
• The agreement expands the Rabia crossing by 100,000 square meters and adds new lanes for commercial traffic and passenger movement.
• Both sides agreed to allow equal entry for drivers of the two countries and to ease transit trucks' passage, reserving lanes for fuel tankers and perishable goods.
• Passenger traffic at the al-Walid crossing will resume after the completion of passport halls and roads, expected early next year.