Türkiye, Syria discuss joint projects to revive rail networks, improve border logistics

Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu is visiting Syria’s capital, Damascus, for a series of high-level meetings to enhance transport cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

His visit marked one of the most comprehensive bilateral engagements between Türkiye and Syria in recent years, with a particular focus on railway restoration and cross-border connectivity.

📍 Şam

Suriye Bayındırlık ve İskân Bakanı Sn. Mustafa Abdulrezzak ile bir araya geldik.

Şehircilik, altyapı projeleri ve teknik iş birliği alanlarında atılabilecek ortak adımları ele aldık. pic.twitter.com/j2axDLxybd

— Abdulkadir URALOĞLU (@a_uraloglu) April 23, 2025

Uraloglu and his delegation were welcomed at Damascus International Airport by Syria’s Minister of Transport Yarub Suleiman Badr and Türkiye’s Charge d’Affaires in Damascus, Ambassador Burhan Koroglu.

“As Türkiye, we are working to strengthen our lasting friendship and cooperation with Syria in order to achieve peace and lasting stability in our region,” Uraloglu stated on a social media post on X.

Focus on railways and border crossings

During a joint press conference at the historic Hejaz Railway Station, Uraloglu emphasized that Türkiye’s priority is the reconstruction of Syria’s damaged railway lines, particularly the corridor between Cobanbey and Aleppo.

“We aim to restore this line to connect Damascus with Türkiye and extend links toward Europe,” he said, adding that both sides agreed to begin technical work immediately to ease road transit and facilitate customs procedures.

Discussions also covered reviving routes stemming from the Hejaz Railway and exploring mutual training programs and technical exchanges.

The Turkish minister stressed the importance of increasing cooperation across all transportation sectors, stating, “You cannot accomplish meaningful development without reaching or communicating with all parts of a country.”

Agreement on border gate activation and joint transit hub

Uraloglu confirmed that both countries agreed to activate all existing border crossings and are planning a pilot project for a joint border gate under a unified transit system.

He highlighted the need for accelerated collaboration given Syria’s current efforts to stabilize after recent political transitions.

“We intend to support improvements to Syria’s road infrastructure, but I can say our top priority lies with rail,” Uraloglu noted.

Bilateral meetings cover broad range of infrastructure

Uraloglu held separate meetings with Syria’s Minister of Communications Abdulsalam Haykal and Transport Minister Yaarub Suleiman Bader, discussing cooperation in communication infrastructure, digital transformation, and regional transit logistics.

The delegation also visited the Directorate of Land and Sea Ports and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

📍 Şam

Suriye Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürü Sn. Eşhed Salibi ile gerçekleştirdiğimiz görüşmede; Suriye sivil havacılığının yeniden tekrar uluslararası normlara ulaşımının tesisi için gereken iş birliği alanlarını ele aldık. ✈️

İki ülke arasında karşılıklı uçuşların tesis… pic.twitter.com/3CzTjXtiW5

— Abdulkadir URALOĞLU (@a_uraloglu) April 23, 2025

He later toured prominent sites in Damascus, including the Umayyad Mosque, the tomb of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, and the Turkish Aviation Martyrs Cemetery.

Uraloglu concluded his day with a panoramic visit to Mount Qasioun overlooking the capital.

Syria welcomes Turkish support for infrastructure restoration

During the press conference, Minister Bader recalled the historical and symbolic significance of the Hejaz Railway Station, opened in 1908, and expressed optimism about a revitalized rail connection between Türkiye and Syria.

“We have deep historical ties, and this visit will help us achieve a leap in railway cooperation,” he said. Bader also welcomed Turkish support for enhancing transportation networks to revitalize trade and strengthen bilateral ties.