Lebanese-Syrian understanding on activating rail link and forming a joint technical team to enhance regional transport

Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, leading a Lebanese delegation, paid an official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, dedicated to exploring ways to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and Syria in the transport sector, particularly road and rail transport, and to develop connectivity between the two countries. This aims to facilitate the movement of passengers and goods, stimulate trade, and strengthen regional logistical integration.

Rasamni and his Syrian counterpart, Yasser Badr, agreed to form a joint Lebanese-Syrian technical team of specialists. The team will begin, in the coming weeks, following up on the issues discussed, studying the technical options and routes required to reactivate connectivity between the two networks, and updating previous studies to align with current data, anticipated transport flows, and implementation requirements.

During the meeting, Rasamni emphasized “the importance of shifting transport cooperation onto a practical path based on shared interests, developing Lebanon’s logistical options, and enhancing its ability to access regional markets.”

He clarified that “the focus is on reactivating and developing rail connectivity between Lebanon and Syria, particularly starting from the Port of Tripoli via Al-Aboudiya, reaching the Syrian railway network, and from there to countries in the region.”

He noted that “developing this route would provide more efficient transport options, reduce costs, and open broader horizons for Lebanon and its ports in terms of trade and transit.”

He pointed out that “the vision extends beyond bilateral connectivity to a wider regional path that links Lebanon, via the Syrian network, to Iraq, Jordan, Gulf countries, and Turkey, leveraging Lebanon’s location and its ports on the eastern Mediterranean to serve regional trade.”

He affirmed that “the goal is to support economic growth, enhance import and export flows, reduce transport costs, and create new opportunities for the Lebanese economy.”

For his part, Badr spoke about “the importance of reactivating rail connectivity between Syria and Lebanon,” noting that “this connectivity is not a new project, but is based on a historical reality where the Syrian and Lebanese railway networks were interconnected.”

He highlighted “the importance of reviving this link within a more comprehensive vision for regional transport networks,” explaining that “the Syrian railway network, after rehabilitating the necessary sections, allows for the development of connectivity with Lebanon and several neighboring countries, thereby opening a land and rail route linking the eastern Mediterranean to regional and Gulf markets.”

The meeting also discussed the rail connectivity project between the Port of Tripoli and the Syrian border via Al-Aboudiya, extending to Homs, as one of the key projects that can serve as a foundation for linking the port to the regional railway network. The situation of land crossings and ways to develop and facilitate transit movements were also addressed. Rasamni noted that “the Al-Aboudiya crossing is set to reopen in about two weeks, which will help alleviate pressure and congestion on other crossings.” The discussion also covered the development project for the Al-Masnaa crossing and the requirements to secure the necessary funding for its implementation.

Following the meeting, Rasamni and Badr held a joint press conference, in which they stressed that “developing road and rail connectivity and updating transport infrastructure constitute a fundamental element in strengthening economic relations, facilitating the movement of people and goods, reducing the cost of trade and transport, and expanding options for exporters and importers in both countries.”

At the conclusion of the official program, Minister Rasamni and the Lebanese delegation, accompanied by their Syrian counterparts, visited the historic Hejaz Railway Station in Damascus, where they toured the premises and learned about its historical and archaeological significance related to the history of railways and transport movements in the region.