Regional talks to revive a land transport corridor through Syria linking Türkiye to the Gulf

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that Türkiye is engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia and several regional countries to revive a transport corridor stretching from Turkish territory through Syria and Jordan to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. He made the remarks during a dialogue on Turkish foreign policy organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore.

Project Objectives and Drivers

Fidan explained that challenges in maritime logistics and the resulting rise in transport costs have pushed regional countries to seek more stable and efficient overland alternatives. He stressed that the proposed routes would serve not only energy transport but also the movement of goods, food supplies, and broader trade flows between the region and global markets.

Syria as a Regional Connectivity Hub

The minister confirmed that multiple options are being explored to strengthen regional connectivity through Syrian territory. This follows a joint announcement made in Ankara in April 2026, in which Fidan and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani declared the revival of a regional connectivity initiative as part of an emerging strategic partnership between the two countries. Syria's Minister of Transport has also held talks with a delegation from the Technical Engineering Company of Turkish Railways on strengthening cooperation in the rail sector and reviving Syria's railway network.

Revival of the Historic Hejaz Railway

Among the proposals under consideration is the revival of a rail link modelled on the Ottoman-era Hejaz Railway, which once connected Madinah to Damascus, and its integration with the Turkish rail network that links to Europe. Turkey has announced plans to rehabilitate a 30-kilometre gap within Syrian territory to complete this overland connection.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Fidan underscored that transport and regional connectivity projects represent a genuine opportunity to advance economic and commercial cooperation among the countries of the region. He affirmed that developing these corridors would support shared stability and development while opening new prospects for investment and economic integration. His remarks come amid growing regional momentum to reactivate transport projects that were previously delayed Syria.

Regional and International Backing

The project has drawn support from Jordan and the Gulf states as key stakeholders in the proposed corridor. The European Union has also expressed interest in transforming Syria into a land bridge linking Europe to the Middle East, while the United States special envoy for Syria has described the initiative as a viable alternative route to both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.