Turkey announces readiness to open Qamishli-Nusaybin border crossing with Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkey announced its readiness to open the Qamishli-Nusaybin border crossing with Syria as part of efforts to boost trade and expand economic cooperation between the two countries, officials said on Tuesday during the Anatolian Summit of City Economies 2026 in Gaziantep.
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said Ankara had informed Syrian authorities of its preparedness to open the crossing, stressing that Turkey’s priority in Syria remains preserving the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and institutional stability.
Bolat also revealed plans to open the “Islahiye Crossing,” a railway link connecting Gaziantep with Afrin in Syria, as part of broader efforts to strengthen transportation and trade infrastructure.
According to the minister, bilateral trade between Turkey and Syria has already surpassed $3 billion. Both sides aim to increase the figure to $5 billion in the near term and eventually reach $10 billion in the coming years.
He added that several Turkish business and industrial organizations have begun establishing branches inside Syria, reflecting growing economic engagement between the two countries. Work is also underway to modernize and upgrade all border crossings, he said.
Speaking at the summit’s opening session, Mahmoud Shahada, Deputy Governor of Aleppo, said relations between cities today go beyond historical ties and are evolving into strategic partnerships capable of addressing future challenges. He emphasized that the development of border cities is a key pillar of regional stability.
In a separate address, Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar called for deeper economic cooperation with Turkey, describing it as Syria’s “natural partner.” He also urged the expansion of banking cooperation through the opening of Turkish bank branches in Syria to support growing economic relations between the two countries.