Turkish minister details Syria action plan focused on transport, infrastructure
People look on as a Syrian Air passenger jet, the first aircraft to land at Aleppo airport after it was shut during the offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad, taxis on the runway on March 18, 2025 (AFP Photo)
Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu outlined the details of the “Syria Action Plan” during a recent presentation at the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) Central Executive Board meeting.
The plan aims to address administrative and sectoral issues through 11 main actions and 39 specific steps, focusing on the reconstruction and modernization of Syria’s transportation and communication systems, according to Türkiye daily.
Türkiye to provide technical support and on-site training
Uraloglu stated that the structural capacities of Syria’s civil aviation, maritime, railway, road, and communication administrations are being reviewed.
The current state of these sectors is under analysis to determine capacity-building needs, with expert teams identifying gaps through on-site observations.
As part of the initiative, Türkiye will develop detailed training programs for each transport mode. These will include:
- On-site education programs tailored to Syrian administrative needs
- Targeted training for road, railway, maritime, aviation, and communication sectors conducted inside Türkiye
Turkish experts to be assigned as advisors in Syria
According to Uraloglu’s presentation, qualified Turkish personnel will be assigned as advisors to Syria’s Ministry of Transport. Candidate selection will proceed following the allocation of necessary funding.
In addition, Türkiye will assist in the formulation of Syria’s national transport master plan.
This includes a sectoral needs assessment and the creation of long-term infrastructure strategies designed to enable a sustainable and efficient transportation network.
Budget planning and logistical coordination underway
The action plan also includes a budget analysis to identify potential funding sources for the proposed initiatives.
Regulatory adjustments will be made to expedite road transport services and improve customs, security, and logistics infrastructure for bilateral and transit trade.
Railway, maritime, and aviation projects to be revitalized
Türkiye plans to contribute to the rehabilitation of key transport routes in Syria. Support will be provided to restore:
- The Cobanbey-Aleppo and Meidan Ekbis-Aleppo railway lines
- Operational efficiency at Tartus Port
- Functionality at Damascus and Aleppo international airports
Türkiye will also assist in upgrading Syria’s airline fleet by either rehabilitating existing aircraft or facilitating leased replacements.
Communication infrastructure to be rebuilt
The Syria Action Plan includes backing for data and mobile communication systems. Türkiye will assist in the rehabilitation of internet and digital infrastructure to restore operational capabilities.
