Beirut, Sept. 15 (SANA) Syrian Assistant Transport Minister for Land Transport Affairs Mohammad Rahhal and an accompanying delegation met on Monday Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny in Beirut for talks on restoring rail connectivity between Syria and Lebanon.

The meeting came during a visit by a delegation from Syria’s Transport Ministry and the General Establishment of Syrian Railways to Lebanon.

The two sides discussed ways to reactivate the rail link and reviewed the results of a technical inspection carried out by the Syrian delegation to assess the railway route and identify requirements for its rehabilitation and operation, with the aim of boosting transport and exchanges between the two countries.

Completing Technical Steps

The two sides discussed mechanisms for completing the technical steps required to restore the rail connection and the possibility of linking the Port of Tripoli to the Syrian railway network, which would help facilitate transport and trade. They stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the relevant authorities in both countries.

They agreed to complete technical and economic studies for the project to reconnect the Syrian and Lebanese railway networks and link the Port of Tripoli to Syria’s rail network via Akkari station and onward to Homs.

The studies will pave the way for a joint workshop to examine the project’s economic feasibility, cost, funding sources and implementation mechanism.

Field Inspection of Railway Route

The Syrian delegation conducted a field inspection of the railway route between the Port of Tripoli and the Syrian border, as well as Akkari station, to identify obstacles and technical requirements for its rehabilitation.

The tour also included the Port of Tripoli, where the two delegations inspected the site of the railway station and the route toward Abboudieh, passing through the economic zone and Qlayaat Airport. The section of the railway on the Lebanese side is approximately 35 kilometers long.

Technical studies and related work will continue based on the findings of inspections and assessments conducted by consultants, with a view to determining the project’s technical and economic requirements and the mechanism for its implementation.

MHD