The Iraqi Border Ports Authority announced on Friday the start of the export of crude oil through the Al-Yarubiya-Rabia border crossing, sending the first convoy of 70 tankers loaded with oil to Syria after the opening of the crossing last month.
Activating the Al-Yarubiya Rabia crossing as a strategic corridor
"This step constitutes a start to activate the Al-Yarubiya-Rabia crossing as a strategic corridor for the export of crude oil," said Omar al-Waeli, head of the Iraqi Border Ports Authority, in a statement today, in a way that contributes to relieving pressure on other ports and diversifying marketing channels, as well as supporting the national economy and increasing revenues.
Al-Waeli explained that this is a step that reflects the growth of export capabilities and the enhancement of the diversity of trade exchange ports, as the first crude oil export operation was launched through the Rabia border crossing towards Syria, in accordance with approved regulatory and security measures and under the direct supervision of the competent authorities.
Al-Waeli stressed that this step constitutes a start to activate the port as a strategic corridor for the export of oil, which will contribute to reducing pressure on other ports and diversifying marketing channels, as well as supporting the Iraqi national economy and increasing revenues.
Al-Ariqi pointed out that work is underway to increase the capacity of the port and develop its infrastructure and logistics services in line with the expected volume of activity in the future, pointing out that export through land ports is an important option to reduce the risks associated with traditional routes.
He pointed out that this operation comes within the framework of the directions aimed at activating the role of border crossings as effective economic axes, enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries and facilitating the movement of trade exchange in order to serve common interests.
Opening of the crossing
The Al-Yarubiya-Rabia border crossing between Syria and Iraq was inaugurated on April 20 in the presence of the head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, the presidential envoy for the implementation of the January 29 agreement with the SDF, Ziad al-Ayish, and from the Iraqi side, the governor of Nineveh, Abdul Qader al-Dakhil, and the head of the border crossings authority, Omar al-Waeli.
The opening of the crossing, located in the countryside of Al-Hasakah, contributes to the resumption of transit movement between the two countries, revitalizes the economic movement and strengthens the interdependence between them, in addition to supporting stabilization efforts, and facilitating the movement of citizens and goods in accordance with the approved legal frameworks.
During the past period, the port witnessed rehabilitation and maintenance works carried out by the Syrian and Iraqi sides, including the rehabilitation of service facilities, improving the readiness of the courtyards, internal roads, passenger halls and customs, in addition to raising the efficiency of technical and logistical equipment, in order to ensure the absorption of transit traffic in an orderly and safe manner.
Al Tanf Crossing
It is noteworthy that on April 1, the first Iraqi fuel convoys entered Syrian territory through the Al-Tanf Al-Walid port, towards the Baniyas refinery, in preparation for their export to global markets, as part of emphasizing Syria's pivotal regional role and strategic location as a vital gateway to the Mediterranean.