Baghdad: On June 14, 2025, Iraq officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for both trade and passenger traffic, marking a significant step toward normalizing relations and revitalizing economic ties between the two neighboring countries. The Iraqi border authority confirmed that the crossing is now fully operational for cargo trucks and civilian movement after joint security assessments by Iraqi and Syrian officials ensured safe passage.
The reopening follows diplomatic efforts earlier this year, including a visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani to Baghdad three months ago, where he urged Iraq to resume cross-border trade. The crossing had remained closed since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict that toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s government, disrupting a critical commercial route and affecting the flow of goods and people between the countries.
According to an official statement, the first Syrian truck crossed into Iraq on Saturday after a thorough inspection, signaling renewed cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus. Passenger travel has also resumed to ease the movement of Iraqi citizens, facilitating travel and trade in a region that has long faced challenges due to political instability and conflict.
The reopening of the Qaim crossing is seen as a sign of warming ties under Syria’s new leadership, headed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to rebuild diplomatic and economic relations with regional neighbors. Iraqi officials emphasized that the two governments have increased coordination on border security and trade facilitation since al-Sharaa assumed office last year.
Local authorities highlighted the strategic importance of this crossing, with Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the border town of al-Qaim, describing it as a vital corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria. The move is expected to enhance regional commerce and contribute to the economic recovery of both countries amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
