Efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia moved forward as Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr held talks with Syria’s charge d’affaires to Saudi Arabia, Mohsen Mahbash, regarding the progress of joint files involving Saudi Arabia’s General Transport Authority. According to the ministry, the discussions focused on mechanisms to advance infrastructure projects and support the continued development of Syria’s transport system. The meeting took place on 15th June 2026 at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, where both sides reviewed opportunities to draw on Saudi Arabia’s advanced experience in road infrastructure. The talks were aligned with the ministry’s plans to upgrade and modernize Syria’s road network, while also identifying priority areas for future collaboration and preparing joint work programs.
A key topic of the transport infrastructure cooperation discussions was the proposed railway link connecting Syria and Saudi Arabia through a wider regional corridor extending across Jordan and Türkiye. The project was discussed as a means of improving integration among regional transport networks while supporting trade and logistics services. Officials also reviewed arrangements related to the planned visit of Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Eng. Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser to Damascus in mid-July 2026.
During the meeting, Badr emphasized the need to maintain coordination and communication through official channels with the Saudi side. He highlighted the importance of expanding transport infrastructure cooperation, especially in road and rail transport, as well as exchanging technical expertise, with the objective of supporting development within the transport sector of both countries. The meeting was attended by the ministry’s international cooperation director, the minister’s office director, the government communications director and representatives from the Foreign Ministry.
The latest talks follow earlier discussions between Badr and al-Jasser during the second Transport Ministers Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul on 14th February 2026. At that meeting, the two ministers agreed to continue work on joint technical files and activate cooperation mechanisms, particularly in road transport.
