Amman — Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria formalized a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) on transport cooperation on Tuesday, signaling a renewed commitment to regional connectivity and economic integration along a critical North-South corridor. The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Amman, aims to facilitate trade, streamline logistics, and enhance the movement of goods and services across the three nations.
Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, addressing the press after the trilateral meeting with Jordanian Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin and Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr, described the initiative as more than a technical exercise. “This is not merely a technical meeting on transport, but a strong declaration of will for the welfare of our peoples and regional development,” Uraloglu said. He emphasized that efficient logistics systems underpin both economic and political stability in the region.
Boosting Trade and Economic Development
The MoU focuses on activating the Türkiye-Syria-Jordan transport axis at full capacity, a move expected to significantly enhance export potential and transit revenues for all three countries. Uraloglu highlighted that the trilateral mechanism would create a “multiplier effect” for regional economies, enabling smoother movement of goods, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and fostering sustainable trade growth.
“The North-South transport corridor is a strategic artery that, if fully functional, can transform regional trade,” Uraloglu said. He stressed the importance of modernized road and rail infrastructure, noting that reducing transit fees, taxes, and additional costs will be crucial to facilitate cross-border transportation efficiently.
The ministers agreed that the initiative will focus on removing barriers for transport operators, expanding rail transport opportunities, and revitalizing key ports. These steps are expected to integrate land and maritime routes more effectively, linking domestic markets with regional and international trade networks.
During the meeting, Uraloglu referred to the historical significance of the Hejaz Railway, constructed by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II and inaugurated in 1908 to connect Istanbul with Damascus, Medina, Mecca, and Yemen. He emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of reviving this railway corridor under modern standards, while also developing new rail connections among Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria to enhance logistics efficiency.
Uraloglu stressed that the agreement is not only about transport infrastructure but also about regional integration and historical continuity, reflecting shared ties and common economic interests. “Modernizing our transport networks is a way to honor our shared history while creating practical pathways for prosperity,” he said.
The ministers also discussed leveraging maritime capacity to complement land transport initiatives. Türkiye and Syria’s Mediterranean ports, in combination with Jordan’s strategic access to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aqaba, are envisioned as a unified logistics network.
“Aqaba Port can serve as a land-sea bridge, transporting goods arriving from the north to the Red Sea and beyond,” Uraloglu said. By integrating ports, railways, and road networks, the trilateral agreement seeks to create a seamless supply chain that enhances regional trade competitiveness and reduces transit times.
The trilateral MoU also includes provisions for technical delegations to visit Saudi Arabia next week, as part of broader efforts to extend connectivity across the Arabian Peninsula. The initiative aims to link the North-South corridor with markets in Central Asia and Europe, positioning the region as a strategic hub for intercontinental trade.
Uraloglu highlighted that these expanded connections could open new economic opportunities and strengthen trade relationships, not only among Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria but also with neighboring countries and international partners.
Observers note that the trilateral agreement could have wider geopolitical implications. Strengthening transport infrastructure and trade routes may enhance regional stability by promoting interdependence and economic collaboration. At the same time, it signals Türkiye’s commitment to a leadership role in fostering regional integration and connectivity.
Experts say that improving logistics efficiency and reducing costs along the North-South corridor could make the region more attractive to international investors, supporting post-conflict reconstruction in Syria while boosting trade revenues for Jordan and Türkiye.
The signing of the trilateral memorandum represents a significant step toward enhanced regional cooperation, economic development, and historical revival. By combining land, rail, and maritime strategies, Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria aim to create a modern transport corridor that not only strengthens trade but also reinforces regional stability and connectivity.
With technical delegations preparing to engage neighboring countries and broader initiatives under discussion, the North-South corridor may emerge as a key route linking the Middle East with Europe, Central Asia, and beyond — bridging economic, historical, and strategic interests for the benefit of millions of people in the region.
