Syria, Saudi Arabia Sign Transport Cooperation MOUs

Syria's Minister of Transport, Dr. Yarob Badr, and Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, signed two memoranda of understanding during a meeting held in Damascus, attended by officials from both sides.

Scope of the Memoranda

The memoranda focus on strengthening cooperation in road and rail transport through:

• Exchange of expertise and information between the two sides.
• Institutional and technical capacity building.
• Joint studies supporting the development and rehabilitation of Syria's transport infrastructure.

The agreements aim to boost transport movement and trade exchange between the two countries.

Private Sector Opportunities

The talks addressed opportunities to develop transport infrastructure and benefit from Saudi expertise, as well as the possible participation of Saudi companies and the private sector in implementing infrastructure and transport projects in Syria.

Road Transport Files

The two sides discussed several technical files related to road transport, including the operational age limit for trucks allowed to enter Saudi territory, currently set at 22 years, in addition to ways to develop working mechanisms and exchange expertise in the transport sector.

Regional Connectivity

Al-Jasser noted that completing the link from Syria's border areas through Jordanian territory to national networks represents an important path for enhancing transport, trade and regional integration. He also invited the Syrian side to participate in the World Transport Forum scheduled for later this month.

Delegations

The Syrian side was represented by Charge d'Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Mohsen Mahbash, Deputy Minister of Transport Mohammad Rahhal, and several directors general. The Saudi delegation included Charge d'Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Damascus, Abdullah Al-Harith, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services for Cooperation and Partnerships Mohammad Ali Al-Bakri, and Director of Partnerships and Bilateral Relations with Arab and African Countries Ruqayyah Ali Al-Zumai.