UAE and Syria discuss logistics corridor to connect with Iraq

The UAE and Syria have begun talks to establish a logistics corridor.

The corridor will connect Syrian ports with Iraq’s Port of Umm Qasr, extending to Khalifa Port in the UAE, the state-run Sana news agency reported.

The discussions also covered investment opportunities in Syria’s ports, free zones and inland dry ports, including a proposed logistics hub at the Al-Tanf border crossing.

Last week Abu Dhabi-listed AD Ports launched a service linking Khalifa Port with Umm Qasr Port, establishing a new trade corridor connecting the Gulf with Turkey and European markets.

Syrian transport minister Yarub Badr said the country is pursuing several infrastructure initiatives, including plans to establish dry ports in Damascus, Aleppo and Homs.

The UAE delegation has proposed establishing joint working groups to examine potential projects, financing options and partnership opportunities, Sana reported.

Separately, UAE-based Silal Group signed agreements with Syria’s agriculture ministry to boost agricultural investment and expand the export of Syrian produce.

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Silal will conduct studies across Syria to develop agricultural investment projects, launch contract farming programmes and establish sorting, grading and packaging centres to support the marketing and export of agricultural products.

In February, Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group chairman Khalaf Al Habtoor said the group plans to pump billions of dollars into new projects in Syria to support economic recovery in the conflict-battered Arab nation.

Syria has attracted large investments and financial aid from Gulf oil producers as it struggles to rebuild its economy, with Saudi Arabia committing SAR7.5 billion ($2 billion) to the development of two airports in Aleppo.

Continued support for Syria was highlighted in a joint statement issued on Thursday following a ministerial meeting between the US and the GCC.

“The Ministers expressed support for the Syrian people in building a stable, peaceful, inclusive and sovereign country fully integrated into the region and reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity,” the joint statement said.