Al-walid: Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, Chairman of the Border Ports Commission (BPC), engaged in discussions with Qutaiba Badawi, Head of the General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs in Syria, focusing on enhancing trade exchanges and resuming passenger transit at the Al-Walid border crossing.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Commission released a statement highlighting that the meeting aligns with directives from the Prime Minister to diversify trade and economic ties with neighboring countries and the broader region. Lieutenant General Al-Waeli’s visit to the Al-Walid border crossing in Anbar Governorate was aimed at assessing current operations and exploring measures to enhance the crossing’s efficiency and service delivery, particularly concerning trade with the Syrian Arab Republic.

The visit involved a comprehensive meeting with representatives from various departments and institutions operating at the crossing. The discussions centered on analyzing operational realities, coordination mechanisms, and challenges impeding seamless procedure flows. The focus was on resolving these issues within legal and administrative frameworks to ensure efficient processing while maintaining essential border control and oversight.

The statement detailed that Al-Waeli toured the crossing’s corridors, yards, and facilities to evaluate infrastructure readiness and identify improvements in collaboration with the governorate. He assessed truck traffic and identified needs that could enhance operations and crossing efficiency.

During the visit, Al-Waeli and Qutaiba Badawi addressed shared concerns regarding the development and efficiency of the Al-Walid/Al-Tanf crossing. They discussed facilitating trade exchange and resuming passenger transit following the completion of necessary infrastructure. The talks also covered mechanisms for exporting petroleum products and ensuring the smooth flow of trade and transit trucks.

The Syrian side underscored the significance of ongoing coordination and collaboration to bolster transit and trade exchange, reinforcing the economic interests of both Iraq and Syria.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the visit is part of the Border Crossings Commission Chairman’s commitment to improving crossing performance and efficiency. It reflects his dedication to enhancing the crossings as key economic gateways that support trade, transport, and non-oil revenue growth, all while adhering to legal regulations and security procedures.