Türkiye and Syria have resumed direct road transport links after years of suspension, announced at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul. The move enhances Middle Corridor trade, boosts regional integration, and supports Türkiye’s broader efforts to become a key hub in Europe-Asia and Gulf logistics.
Türkiye and Syria have agreed to resume direct road transport links after years of suspension. The agreement was formalized at the conclusion of the Global Transport Connectivity Forum, held in Istanbul, where 12 key cooperation agreements were signed to boost cross-border logistics and regional integration.
The landmark deal between Turkish and Syrian delegations marks a major step toward restoring economic ties between the two nations. The accord revives the International Road Transport Agreement originally signed in 2004, paving the way for the resumption of direct cargo movement without the need for transhipment at border crossings.
Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, in his announcement, emphasized the economic and strategic significance of the agreement. “Commercial transport will resume under the International Road Transport Agreement signed between the two countries in 2004,” he stated. “This will end the practice of cargo transfers at the border, allowing goods to move directly between Türkiye and Syria.”
Minister Uraloglu also underscored the wider regional implications of the move. “The resumption of transport links will reinforce our countries’ positions in regional trade between Europe and Asia and integrate the Middle Corridor with Gulf nations,” he noted. “This will enable direct road access from Türkiye to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other Gulf countries.”
The Global Transport Connectivity Forum, which brought together stakeholders from multiple continents, focused heavily on enhancing logistics efficiency through strategic infrastructure investments. The Middle Corridor—also known as the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor Initiative—emerged as a central theme during the event.
The Middle Corridor is an ambitious east-west trade route that connects Türkiye with the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and eventually China. It forms a crucial part of Türkiye’s long-term efforts to rejuvenate the ancient Silk Road and establish itself as a pivotal link between Europe and Asia.
Addressing the forum on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the Middle Corridor as a transformative infrastructure initiative. He highlighted its alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and explained how the corridor aims to provide a faster and more secure route between Asia and Europe.
“While goods transported via the Suez Canal take about 35 days and those via the Cape of Good Hope up to 45 days, the Middle Corridor will cut transit times to under 15 days when fully operational,” President Erdoğan said. He further projected that the ongoing and future investments into the corridor could generate a cumulative economic output of $114 billion, significantly bolstering the region’s position as a global trade hub.
The Istanbul forum also saw Türkiye strengthening ties with African nations. A memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a Joint Steering Committee between Türkiye and eight African countries—Somalia, Ghana, Mauritania, the Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, and Guinea. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and infrastructure development on the African continent.
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“As Türkiye, we will provide all kinds of support for the African continent to take its rightful place in the global transport system,” Minister Uraloglu stated, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to inclusive global growth.
The resumption of direct road transport between Türkiye and Syria, in conjunction with broader regional and continental connectivity plans, reflects Türkiye’s strategic push to position itself at the heart of international trade routes. By reviving historical linkages and fostering new partnerships, Türkiye is actively shaping the future of global logistics and commerce.
