Latest news with #Alloush
Rudaw Net
30-07-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Syria moves to revive key port, border crossings in drive for economic recovery: Official
Also in Interview New electoral system for Syria's parliament finalized, announcement expected soon: Spox Dialogue with Damascus advancing, not yet 'formal negotiations': Rojava official Washington should help SDF reach deal with Damascus: Former US diplomat EU MP urges Turkey to embrace peace talks with PKK A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria is ramping up efforts to revitalize its port infrastructure and border operations, securing major investment deals with global logistics giants, a senior official from the General Authority for Land and Sea Border Crossings told Rudaw. However, significant challenges persist at land border crossings, particularly in areas outside full government control. In a Tuesday interview, Mazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority, highlighted recent progress in attracting global logistics players. He noted that French shipping giant CMA CGM and Dubai-based logistics firm DP World are now involved in long-term development projects for Latakia and Tartous ports, respectively. CMA CGM recently secured a 30-year concession for Latakia Port involving an estimated investment of $260 million, while DP World's 30-year concession for Tartous Port is valued at approximately $800 million. Alloush mentioned ongoing efforts 'with another major international operator' regarding 'a new port operation agreement [that] is expected to be signed in the coming weeks," and pointed to plans to develop the Baniyas Port, 'currently used only for oil shipments, into a commercial port soon.' The General Authority also oversees ten Free Zones across Syria. According to Alloush, there are "extensive investment plans" in place to modernize and expand these zones into "internationally competitive hubs." Regarding Syria's land border crossings, Alloush confirmed that 11 out of approximately 20 are currently operational. These include six crossings with Turkey, three with Lebanon, one with Jordan, and one with Iraq. He mentioned plans to reactivate additional crossings, including the al-Tanf-al-Waleed crossing with Iraq and the al-Dabbousiyah crossing with Lebanon. Border traffic has also increased significantly. "From the beginning of the year until today, we have received over five million travelers through our border crossings - three million arrivals and two million departures,' Alloush stated. Despite these developments, he acknowledged the ongoing challenge posed by border crossings located in northeastern Syria (Rojava), particularly in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, he expressed optimism that the implementation of the key March 10 agreement - signed between Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi to integrate civil and military institutions in Rojava under state control - 'will allow us to assume control' and have all border crossings 'be under unified national administration." Alloush also addressed the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region, calling it 'our most strategic crossing,' through which 'a large volume of goods enters Syria.' He further pointed to communication between the Syrian foreign ministry and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) regarding management and coordination of the crossing's operations. Below is the full transcript of the interview with Mazen Alloush. Rudaw: How do you assess the current situation of Syrian land crossings? How many land border crossings are currently operating in Syria, and how many are out of service? Mazen Alloush: Syria has approximately 20 border crossings, of which 11 are currently operational. Some crossings are undergoing work to be brought back into service, while others remain outside the control of the Syrian government. Currently, we have six operational crossings with Turkey under our control: Jarablus, al-Rai, al-Salameh, al-Hammamat, Bab al-Hawa, and Kasab. With Lebanon, three border crossings are operational: Jdeidat Yabous, al-Arida, and Jousiyeh. Additionally, three other crossings with Lebanon are under maintenance and rehabilitation with the aim of returning them to service. We also have one border crossing with Jordan, the Nassib crossing. And with our brotherly Iraq, the only operational crossing at present is the Albu Kamal-al-Qaim. God willing, there are future plans to reopen several other crossings. As for those that remain outside our control, they are located in areas governed by the [Kurdish-led] Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). What about the plans for reopening or opening new border crossings? What are your plans? Regarding the Lebanese borders, since the liberation, we have reopened the Jdeidat Yabous, also known as the al-Masna' border crossing, which remains our most active. Later, in March, we reopened the Jousiyeh crossing in northern Lebanon, and two months ago - just two days before Eid al-Adha - we reopened the al-Arida crossing, which links Tripoli governorate in northern Lebanon with Tartous province in northwestern Syria. In the near future, we plan to begin rehabilitation and maintenance work on the al-Dabbousiyah crossing, located between the two other crossings in northern Lebanon. As for the border with Iraq, the Directorate of Facilities and Maintenance is currently preparing reconstruction and rehabilitation plans for the al-Tanf-al-Waleed border crossing on the Iraqi side. Work at this crossing will begin in the coming weeks. These are the main crossings we are currently focused on. In the future, pending progress in coordination between the Syrian government and the SDF, we hope to reactivate the crossings in northeastern Syria [Rojava]. How many travelers have passed through Syrian border crossings since the beginning of this year? From the beginning of the year until today, we have received over five million travelers through our border crossings - three million arrivals and two million departures - across the eleven operational crossings I mentioned earlier. Additionally, after the liberation period, beginning December 8th and up to the start of 2025, an additional half a million travelers crossed into Syria. You mentioned the al-Qaim crossing with Iraq. What is its current status, and what is the volume of daily passenger and goods traffic? Regarding the Albu Kamal-al-Qaim border crossing, immediately after the liberation, we deployed our staff to the site. Unfortunately, the crossing had been destroyed and looted, requiring extensive maintenance. We completed an initial phase of rehabilitation and equipped it for basic operations. For the first six months, it only served Syrian refugees in Iraq who wished to return voluntarily to Syria, as political discussions with the Iraqi side had not yet reached a point where full reactivation was possible. However, in mid-June, we reached a joint decision with the Iraqi brothers to fully reactivate the crossing. Passenger, freight, and commercial traffic has since resumed. Activity is still shy, but it is increasing steadily. We are now working on expanding and modernizing the crossing by constructing new passenger and customs halls and expanding the facility overall. During the first half of 2025, approximately 35,000 travelers passed through, with 23,000 arriving and 12,000 departing. About 17,000 of those were Syrian refugees in Iraq who returned voluntarily to resettle in Syria. What about daily movement of goods and commercial exchange? Honestly, it remains modest - just dozens of trucks per day. The reason is because many traders had shifted to other crossings since this crossing was not operational and considering the condition of the roads leading to it. However, the situation is improving steadily. Additionally, I would like to highlight that the Iraqi government has provided a significant wheat grant to Syria. For the past two months, around 60 to 70 trucks of wheat enter daily via the Albu Kamal crossing. On top of that, 20 to 30 commercial trucks cross in both directions daily. We expect this number to double by next month, as the crossing continues to develop. Are there any efforts to reopen the Rabia-Yaarubiyah border crossing? At this time, the Rabia-al-Yaarubiyah crossing remains outside our control; it is currently held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This also applies to the Qamishli, al-Darbasiyah, and Ain al-Arab crossings. Our most strategic crossing in the northeast is the Semalka crossing with the Kurdistan Region, which is our most important crossing in the meantime, it is also under SDF control. We, as the General Authority for Land and Sea Border Crossings, are awaiting the implementation of the March 10 agreement signed between [Syrian interim] President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi. Once implemented, it will allow us to assume control and integrate these crossings to thus have the Syrian border crossings be under unified national administration. We have already prepared our staff to administer these crossings and laid out the necessary plans, and we are ready to take over once the implementation of the [March 10] agreement is complete. Have any discussions taken place between your committees and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) committees regarding crossing management? No, not yet. Although the agreement was signed [on March 10], the Syrian Democratic Forces have so far tried to evade implementing it, and they continue to place obstacles in its way. No joint plans have been implemented so far. Of course, more critical issues - such as the army, internal security, and administrative governance - must be agreed upon [between Damascus and the SDF] first. The matter of the border crossings will follow naturally. Until this date, no sessions have been held [between the relevant committees in this regard.] Until those core matters are resolved, we cannot move forward on operational issues like the crossings. You spoke about the importance of the Semalka crossing. Are there communication channels with the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG]? Indeed, communication exists between our foreign ministry and the Kurdistan Regional Government. However, as a border authority, we do not have direct communication. All coordination with foreign parties is handled through the foreign ministry. Of course, Semalka is a very important crossing through which a lot of goods enter. But we face a serious issue - there are no official borders between us and the SDF-controlled areas. Many traders bring in goods via Semalka and then attempt to move them into Syrian internal markets illegally. We deal with dozens of smuggling attempts daily by trucks that had primarily entered northeast Syria [Rojava] via the Semalka crossing. These attempts are carried out by greedy traders who are trying to avoid customs duties. To counter this, we've deployed customs police detachments across Syrian territory - from Manbij in the northwest to the Albu Kamal crossing in the east. These units are constantly seizing smuggled trucks, including from Semalka. Ultimately, we want all crossings to be unified under national control so we can eliminate smuggling and reduce the burden on our forces. You recently visited Turkey. Are there any updates on the Nusaybin-Qamishli crossing? Is there any coordination with Turkey to reopen it? Indeed, we have discussed all crossings with the Turkish side. Just two weeks ago, we visited the Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain crossings in the al-Salam Spring area. These two crossings are under Syrian government control but were not previously under our direct administration. We are now working with Turkey to bring them under our full authority. There are still three other crossings with Turkey-Ain al-Arab, al-Darbasiyah, and Qamishli-Nusaybin, which is the most important. The Turkish side is ready to hand over their side of these crossings, but from the Syrian side, these three crossings are still under SDF control. These five crossings, including al-Yaarubiyah-Rabia and Semalka, will ultimately come under our administration once the [March 10] agreement with the SDF is implemented. How many active seaports are currently operating in Syria, and which are the most important for commercial shipping? We currently have two main seaports: Tartous Port and Latakia Port. Both are fully operational and integrated into commercial shipping routes. We have signed international investment agreements for their development. At Latakia Port, we have signed a major investment contract with [French shipping giant] CMA CGM, one of the world's largest container terminal operators. Two weeks ago, we also signed a significant investment agreement for Tartous Port with [the Dubai-based global logistics and trade giant] DP World. A large technical team from DP World arrived just yesterday to begin rehabilitation planning, and the agreement will come into effect accordingly. CMA CGM is also implementing its part of the agreement in the container terminal. We are also in talks with another major international operator, and a new port operation agreement is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. In addition to these, we have about eight smaller local ports, including Arwad Island, Ras al-Basit, Ras ibn Hani and others. These ports are dedicated to fishing, ship maintenance, and recreation, There is also the Baniyas Port, which is currently used only for receiving oil shipments, but we plan to develop it into a commercial port soon. Lastly, I'd like to mention that the Free Zones in Syria fall under the jurisdiction of the General Authority for Land and Sea Border Crossings. We currently manage ten free zones across the country, including in Damascus, Daraa, Homs, Latakia, and even Idlib and al-Yaarubiyah near the Rabia crossing. We've prepared extensive investment plans for these zones, aiming to transform them into internationally competitive hubs. We also plan to establish several dry ports in locations such as Idlib, Aleppo, and Homs. We have many other plans and agreements that will see light in coming months. We pledge to our people to do everything we can to wheel the country's economy forward and contribute to its recovery.
Arab Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Syria Enforces New Freight Ban on Egyptian and Saudi Vehicles
DAMUSCUS, July 15: The Syrian government has announced a ban on trucks originating from Egypt and Saudi Arabia from entering Syrian territory, citing the need to support local transport workers and enforce reciprocal trade practices. The decision, which will take effect on Sunday, July 20, was confirmed by Mazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports. Speaking to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Alloush stated that the move comes in response to longstanding demands by Syrian truck and refrigerated transport drivers who have called for more equitable treatment and improved conditions within the land transport sector. According to Alloush, trucks from Egypt and Saudi Arabia will no longer be allowed to cross into Syrian territory and will be required to complete cargo transfer operations at the border ports through which goods enter the country. The measure, he added, is part of a broader effort to respond to the continued restrictions placed on Syrian trucks by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. 'This ban comes in light of the ongoing prohibition against Syrian trucks entering those two countries, which contravenes the principle of reciprocity in trade and land transport,' Alloush said. He stressed that the Ports Authority remains committed to protecting the rights of workers in Syria's transport sector and will continue to work in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure fairness and equal treatment for Syrian freight operators.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Kinda Alloush, Moataz Hisham, Yasmina El-Abd & More to Star in TV Series "Ebn El Nasaba"; Production Underway
Yara Sameh Syrian actress Kinda Alloush has signed on to star in the TV series "Ebn El Nasaba" by director Ahmed Abdel Wahab. The cast also stars Entsar, Hamza Diab, Moataz Hisham, Yasmina El-Abd, Hazem Ehab, and more. The drama, produced by Sally Wally, blends reality, hope, strength, and defeat, and sheds light on social issues affecting families. The official logline for the series reads: "Rania, a lawyer whose life suddenly collapses after her husband disappears and leaves her and their son behind. She transforms from a broken woman into a strong woman seeking revenge and justice. With the help of her son, a cycling champion, she wages a battle against the men who abandoned their families, while simultaneously fighting to secure a better future for herself and her son." Principal photography is underway. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kinda Alloush | كندة علوش (@kindaalloushfanclub) Born on March 27, 1982, Alloush is a Cairo-based actress with an extensive repertoire of notable works in the Arab world. She finished her studies in Theater Criticism at the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts in Damascus and made a brief foray into the theatrical direction before she turned to acting in 2005. Alloush made her acting debut in the 2005 TV series "Ashwak Naaeima". In the same year, she appeared in "Ahkad Khafeya", Alzzahir Bybrs", and "Nizar Qubani". She landed her first role on the silver screen in the 2009 Jordanian film "The Strangers". In 2009, Alloush appeared in the Egyptian TV hit "Hedou' Nesbi" and in the Egyptian blockbuster "Welad El-Am", which catapulted her fame in Egypt. The role was followed by a string of notable works in Egyptian cinema and TV dramas across the Arab world. Her long list of notable TV series includes "Ahl Cairo", "Niran Sadeeka", "Al Ahd: El Kalam El Mobah", "Sittat Bayt Al Maadi", "Iilaa Ana", "ِAfrah El-Qobba", "Dalaa Banat", "Elsabaa Wasaya", and "A'd Tanazoly". On the film side, her notable film credits include "Welad el 'Am", "Wahid Saheeh", "Brtita", "Al-Maslaha", "La Mo'akhza", and "Hepta: The Last Lecture". read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Malaysia Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Tartous Port Receives the Largest Palm Oil Shipment
SANA 11 Jun 2025, 19:26 GMT+10 Tartous, SANA - A ship carrying 40,000 tons of palm oil has arrived at Tartous Port as the largest shipment of its kind to arrive at this port since the fall of the former regime. Mazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, said in a statement that "the ship was carrying a shipment of 40,000 tons of crude palm oil, 23,000 tons of which were allocated for the Syrian Market, and were unloaded at the Port of Tartous within a record time." The ship, which arrived from Malaysia and Indonesia, continued its journey to the port of Izmit, Turkey, to unload the remaining 13,000 tons, he clarified. Alloush added that since the reactivation of the Port, it has received hundreds of commercial vessels carrying various cargoes, including foodstuffs, industrial raw materials, and production supplies. "This reflects the port's recovery and the gradual restoration of its capacity to support national commercial and economic activity," Alloush added. Reem/Abdul / Fedaa
Shafaq News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
425,000 Syrians return since Al-Assad's fall
Shafaq News/ More than 425,000 Syrians have returned to neighboring countries since the fall of the former regime, the Director of Public Relations at the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Border Crossings, Mazen Alloush, confirmed on Monday. Alloush stated that from December 8, 2024, to June 8, 2025, Syrian border crossings recorded the return of these citizens as part of the voluntary repatriation process, noting that over 250,000 of them are from Turkiye, with significant numbers also coming from Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. He added that border crossings have also logged the arrival of tens of thousands of expatriates from Europe, the Gulf, and various other countries, either for visits or permanent resettlement in Syria. Alloush reported that since the reopening of the Arida border crossing with Lebanon last Tuesday, more than 20,000 travelers have crossed in both directions. Revealing that work is currently underway to establish a permanent commercial route between Syria and Lebanon through the Arida crossing after the Eid al-Adha holiday, he clarified that 'infrastructure upgrades and full rehabilitation of service facilities at the crossing are also ongoing.' Syria's land border crossings include Kasab, Bab al-Hawa, Hammam, Salama, al-Rai, and Jarablus with Turkiye; Jdeidet Yabous, Jousieh, and Arida with Lebanon; the Nasib crossing with Jordan; and the Al-Bukamal crossing with Iraq.
