The spokesperson confirmed that the crossing is now fully functional for cargo trucks and civilian traffic, following joint security evaluations conducted by officials from both countries.

This decision comes three months after Syria’s Foreign Minister visited Baghdad, urging the resumption of cross-border commerce. The crossing had been closed since the uprising that led to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

According to a statement from the Iraqi border authority, the first Syrian truck passed through the crossing on Saturday after inspections, marking a notable advancement in economic collaboration between Iraq and Syria. The statement also noted that passenger travel has restarted to facilitate easier movement for Iraqi citizens.

The reopening is viewed as an indication of improving relations between Baghdad and Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has prioritized restoring diplomatic and economic connections with neighboring countries. Since al-Sharaa’s inauguration last year, officials from both governments have increased cooperation on border security and trade processes.

Turki al-Mahallawi, the mayor of al-Qaim where the border crossing is situated, described the crossing as a strategic route for trade between the two countries.