Turkey announced its readiness to open the Nusaybin-Qamishli border crossing with Syria, as part of steps aimed at boosting trade and expanding economic exchange channels between the two countries, during the activities of the "Anatolian Summit for Urban Economies" in Gaziantep province.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bulat said that his country has informed the Syrian side of its readiness to open the crossing, stressing that the Turkish priority in the Syrian file is to preserve the unity of the Syrian territory, preserve its sovereignty and the stability of state institutions.
In a related context, Bulat revealed plans to open a "Islahiya crossing" dedicated to the railway lines between Gaziantep and Syria during the next phase, in order to enhance the transport and trade infrastructure.
The minister pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between Turkey and Syria has currently exceeded $3 billion, with a common goal to raise it to $5 billion in the next stage, reaching $10 billion in the coming years.
He added that a number of Turkish business and industrial institutions have started opening branches inside Syria, in a step that reflects the growing economic openness between the two sides, pointing out that work is also underway to modernize and develop all border crossings.
Minister of Economy: Opening Branches of Turkish Banks in Syria
In a separate speech, Minister of Economy and Industry Mohamed Nidal Al-Shaar called for expanding economic cooperation with Turkey, describing it as a natural partner, and calling for strengthening the banking sector by opening bank branches inside Syria to support economic relations between the two countries.
For his part, Aleppo Deputy Governor Mahmoud Shehadeh said during the opening of the summit that what unites cities today goes beyond historical ties to establish strategic partnerships capable of facing the challenges of the future, stressing that the development of border cities is a pillar of stability.
Turkish Ambassador: The relationship is based on the principle of "win-win"
For his part, Turkish Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yilmaz said that the road to lasting stability in Syria passes through the restoration of economic prosperity, considering that relations between the two countries in the new phase are based on the principle of "win-win."
He added that Turkey represents Syria's gateway to global markets and Europe, while Syria is a strategic logistics corridor for Turkey that extends to the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf.
For her part, Gaziantep Mayor Fatma Şahin called for the revival of the historic Hejaz Railway, considering that there are very important opportunities in trade relations with Syria that should be taken advantage of, saying: "The Hejaz Railway established by Sultan Abdul Hamid must be revived."
The Hejaz Railway is one of the most prominent historical projects in the region, as it was built between 1900 and 1908, and extended for about 1322 kilometers between the Levant and Medina, before reaching about 1900 kilometers with subsequent additions.
The "City Economies" Summit Discusses Syria-Turkey Relations
The "Anatolian Summit for City Economies", organized by Anadolu Agency, was held at the "Mavera" Conference and Arts Center at Gaziantep University, with the participation of government officials and representatives of the business sector from the two countries, and focused on investment, trade, transportation, and economic integration opportunities between Syria and Turkey during the next phase.
Railway crossings projects and joint industrial and commercial zones, in addition to discussing the opening of Turkish banks in Syria and raising the volume of trade exchange between the two countries to $10 billion, topped the most prominent files presented during the "Anatolian Summit for Urban Economies", which was hosted by the Turkish province of Gaziantep with the participation of government officials and businessmen from Syria and Turkey.