Syria participated in the Second Saudi International Railways Conference and Exhibition, held in Riyadh under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh al-Jassir, who also serves as chairman of the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) board.
The conference, themed “Driving Transformation, Shaping the Path,” brought together officials, experts, and companies from across the region and beyond to discuss the future of railway transport and logistics. Syrian Minister of Transport Yarub Badr joined his Jordanian and Bahraini counterparts—Nidal al-Qatawneh and Abdullah bin Ahmad al-Khalifa—in a high-level panel exploring ways to strengthen regional railway cooperation and facilitate the movement of people and goods across borders.
Current State of the Syrian Rail Network
Minister Badr explained that Syria’s railway sector faces major challenges due to extensive damage and maintenance shortages accumulated over the past decade. Of the 2,800 kilometers that make up the national railway network, only about 1,000 kilometers are currently operational.
He emphasized that the ministry’s priority is to restore economically vital lines, including the phosphate transport line from the mines to Tartus Port and the container transport line linking Latakia Port with Sheikh Najjar Industrial City in Aleppo’s countryside.
Strengthening Cooperation with Saudi Arabia
Badr said his visit aimed to enhance cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Transport across multiple sectors. Discussions included potential joint projects with the Saudi Railways Authority, founded on principles of partnership and technical collaboration.
He also noted Syria’s interest in benefiting from Saudi expertise in road pavement evaluation and maintenance optimization, as well as the Kingdom’s experience in developing a digital freight transport platform—a model similar to one Syria is currently implementing.
Addressing Road Transport Challenges
During meetings with Saudi officials, Badr raised concerns over the difficulties faced by Syrian truck drivers entering the Kingdom, particularly regarding visa procedures. He acknowledged that the issue lies beyond the transport ministry’s jurisdiction but said Syrian authorities have sought Saudi support in coordinating with relevant agencies to find practical solutions.
Badr expressed optimism about the outcomes of these discussions, noting that joint cooperation in rail and road transport could significantly strengthen the Syrian economy. He announced that a technical committee meeting between Syria and Saudi Arabia will take place on November 20, focusing on road transport challenges and ways to enhance logistical efficiency between the two countries.
A Platform for Regional Railway Development
The Saudi International Railways Conference and Exhibition is an annual event dedicated to advancing the railway transport industry. It gathers leading experts, decision-makers, and companies to discuss regional infrastructure development, showcase the latest technologies, and promote international cooperation.
The second edition of the event provided a platform for Syria and its regional partners to exchange expertise, identify opportunities, and reaffirm their commitment to sustainable transport connectivity and economic integration across the Arab region.
