Turkey Lifts Trade Restrictions on Syria to Enhance Economic Ties
Turkey has lifted trade restrictions on Syria, enabling goods to flow freely between the two countries. This change comes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad and is part of Turkey’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with the new Syrian administration. Both nations are working to reassess customs tariffs and potentially revive a free trade agreement that had been previously suspended.
On February 11, 2025, Turkey announced the removal of trade and transit restrictions on Syria, as reported by the Turkish Ministry of Trade. This initiative is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to strengthen economic ties following the recent change in leadership in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Importantly, goods crossing the Turkish-Syrian border will now be treated according to the same regulations as those from other nations, signaling a significant shift from prior policies. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Turkey had severed relations with Damascus; however, the new Syrian government, established post-Assad, has facilitated renewed diplomatic and trade discussions.
The Turkish and Syrian administrations are currently collaborating to reassess existing customs tariffs on various products and are in preliminary discussions to revive a free trade agreement that had been suspended in 2011. This move demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts and foster a more robust economic partnership between the two nations.
In summary, Turkey’s recent decision to lift trade restrictions on Syria marks a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations, significantly altering the landscape of trade following Assad’s regime change. The agreement to reevaluate customs tariffs and discuss the restoration of a free trade arrangement reflects a commitment to deeper economic cooperation and regional stability.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
