Damascus, April 20 (SANA) A series of recent diplomatic and economic developments is refocusing attention on Syria’s strategic location, as regional and international actors increasingly view the country not only through the lens of politics and reconstruction, but also as a potential hub for transport, trade and energy connectivity.
At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, held from April 17 to 19 under the theme “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” President Ahmad al-Sharaa outlined a vision of Syria as a bridge rather than a battleground, saying the country is being transformed “from a conduit for conflict into a platform for sustainable investment.”
The regional context has added urgency to that vision. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the vulnerability of existing trade and energy routes. Reuters reported that shipping through the strait resumed cautiously after a ceasefire announcement, with firms still seeking assurances on freedom of navigation.
The uncertainty has increased interest in overland and alternative regional corridors. Disruptions and security risks have also drawn attention to Syria’s potential role as a shorter and potentially more secure route for oil and gas flows from the Gulf to Europe and Western markets. In this context, Iraq has resumed fuel oil exports through Syrian territory via the Baniyas terminal.
From Ankara’s perspective, Syria is re-emerging as a practical transit route. Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said earlier this month that transit trade through Syria to the Middle East and Gulf countries has become possible. He added that bilateral trade between Syria and Türkiye reached $3.7 billion last year, up 40 percent from the previous year. The comments frame Syria as both a destination market and a corridor linking Türkiye with wider Arab markets.
On the ground, Syria has begun translating this momentum into infrastructure work. The Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Türkiye is undergoing rehabilitation and expansion, with plans that include new freight roads, separate passenger lanes and upgraded service facilities aimed at increasing capacity and speeding up the movement of cargo and travelers.
In parallel, Syria’s rail sector reported notable freight growth in the first quarter of 2026, including increased fuel transport and the resumption of grain shipments from the ports of Latakia and Tartous to inland silos.
Air connectivity is also returning to the agenda. Syria signed an air transport agreement with Germany at the end of March, while the Saudi Cabinet approved a civil aviation memorandum with Syria in mid-April. Syrian and Jordanian officials have also discussed steps to improve air connectivity and technical cooperation. These developments suggest efforts to rebuild Syria’s logistics role extend beyond land routes to aviation.
Jordan has emerged as another key partner. During the Syrian-Jordanian Higher Coordination Council meetings in Amman on April 12, the two countries signed nine agreements and memoranda of understanding across multiple sectors. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said at Antalya Diplomacy Forum that Syria is focused on rebuilding state institutions and avoiding conflict. The agreements point to broader efforts to normalize trade and movement through Syria’s southern gateway.
European thinking appears to be moving in a similar direction. A Reuters report citing an internal EU document said Brussels is considering reintegrating Syria into regional connectivity projects, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), with the aim of positioning the country as a hub for transport, energy and digital links.
Challenges remain significant. Border infrastructure requires further investment, rail networks need rehabilitation, and regional instability continues to affect trade flows and investor confidence. However, diplomatic engagement, trade discussions and infrastructure projects are increasingly converging around the idea that Syria’s recovery depends not only on reconstruction, but also on restoring its role as a regional connector between Asia, the Arab region and Europe.
By Khaled Attal
