> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.euphrastrategic.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Iraq and Syria Agree Eight Measures to Speed Traffic at Border Crossings
- URL: https://www.euphrastrategic.com/iraq-and-syria-agree-eight-measures-to-speed-traffic-border-crossings/
- Published: 2026-09-28T13:52:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T15:40:24.000Z
- Author: Euphra Strategic

On 27 September 2026, Iraqi and Syrian border and customs officials agreed to set up direct communication between their crossings, share customs data electronically and give each other's drivers equal access. The meeting followed an order from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to increase trade with Syria through three crossings, Rabia in Nineveh, and al-Waleed and al-Qaim in Anbar. 

### What happened

The meeting was held remotely and was attended from the Iraqi side by Lt. Gen. Dr. Omar Adnan al-Waeli, head of the Border Ports Authority, and Dr. Qutaiba Badawi, head of Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and Customs, led the Syrian side. 

The eight measures include 

1. Open direct communication channels between Iraqi and Syrian crossings to share information and fix problems that slow trade.
2. Al-Waleed will take passengers again once its passport halls and dedicated roads are finished, which is expected in early 2027\. Until then, travellers will keep using Rabia and al-Qaim.
3. Customs data will be exchanged electronically, so each shipment's declared description, weight and customs duty can be checked against the goods.
4. Drivers from both countries will get equal entry rights.
5. New lanes for trade and passengers will be set aside inside the crossings.
6. Separate lanes will be reserved for petrol tankers, fuel-oil tankers and trucks carrying perishable goods.
7. Transit trucks passing through both countries will get easier passage.
8. Rabia will be expanded by 100 dunams (about 25 hectares) so it can handle large numbers of trucks and tankers.

Al-Waleed reopened to trade in April 2026 after more than 11 years closed. It will take passengers again once its passport halls and access roads are finished, which is expected in early 2027\. Until then, travellers will keep using Rabia and al-Qaim.

### Why it Matters

The agreement is the latest sign of a steadily improving relationship between Baghdad and Damascus. Over 2026 the two governments have moved from cautious contact to working arrangements. Al-Waleed reopened to trade in April after more than 11 years closed. In July, the two sides signed two memorandums of understanding to replace the Kirkuk–Banias oil pipeline. On 22 September, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the UN General Assembly.

The agreement also comes as Iraq relies more on Syria to move fuel in and out. The war with Iran disrupted Gulf shipping from 28 February. Since then, the State Organisation for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) has trucked 21.4 million barrels of fuel oil to Syria's Banias port to be sold on. On 22 September, Iraq also began bringing in gasoline by road from Banias, under a SOMO contract with Qatar's UCC Holding. The Oil Ministry has said Iraq plans to keep using the Syrian route even after Gulf shipping through Hormuz returns to normal.