Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, resuming both trade and passenger traffic after years of closure, according to a spokesman for the Iraqi border authority.

The reopening marks a significant milestone in the restoration of economic and diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations.

“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,” the spokesman told Reuters, emphasizing that the decision followed joint security evaluations conducted by officials from both countries.

The border crossing had remained closed since the uprising that led to the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, recent developments, including a visit to Baghdad by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani three months ago, helped set the stage for renewed cooperation. During his visit, al-Shibani urged Iraqi leaders to resume cross-border trade.

In a statement released on Saturday, Iraq's border crossings authority confirmed the arrival of the first Syrian truck at Qaim after a thorough inspection, calling it “a significant step in strengthening economic cooperation between Iraq and Syria.”

“Passenger movement has also resumed,” the authority added, “in order to ease the burden on Iraqi citizens when traveling in and out of the country.”

The reopening reflects improving ties under Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has actively pursued stronger relations with regional partners since taking office last year. Iraqi officials have noted an increase in coordination on both border security and trade facilitation.

“This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,” said Turki al-Mahallawi, the mayor of al-Qaim, the town where the crossing is located.