Iraq officially reopened the al-Qa’im (al-Bukamal) border crossing with Syria on Saturday, marking a significant step in restoring trade and travel between the two neighboring nations, the Iraqi Border Crossings Authority announced.

In a statement, the authority confirmed that the first Syrian cargo truck had entered Iraqi territory after undergoing standard inspections and temperature screenings. Trade operations have now fully resumed on the Iraqi side of the crossing.

Officials hailed the reopening as a crucial development that will ease travel hardships for Iraqi citizens and stimulate the local economy. “This will reduce the burden on travelers and create job opportunities for workers, truck drivers, and bus drivers,” the statement noted.

The authority also stressed that restoring full operations at the crossing would strengthen economic ties between Iraq and Syria, enhance trade flow, increase state revenues, and support local market demands while contributing to regional stability.

The move follows Syria’s announcement on Thursday that the al-Bukamal crossing would resume operations for both passengers and cargo starting Saturday. The reopening signals a step toward normalized relations and economic recovery for both countries after years of conflict-related disruptions.

The al-Qa’im crossing is a vital trade route between Iraq and Syria, and its restoration is expected to significantly benefit businesses and travelers in the region.