Beirut:The Lebanese government, through its Ministry of Public Works and Transport, hosted representatives from the international community and United Nations partners to present a reconstruction masterplan for the Masnaa border crossing. This initiative aims to garner support for its implementation.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the visit was coordinated with General Security, Lebanese Customs, the Lebanese Armed Forces, and other national border agencies, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The gathering included notable figures such as H.E. Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, and Mr. Imran Riza, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, among others.
During the event, Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny outlined the government's phased plan to develop a new crossing on the international border line. He emphasized the strategic importance of the project for Lebanon's security, economic future, and regional connectivity, highlighting the current congestion and outdated facilities at the existing crossing. The Masnaa crossing, situated on the Beirut-Damascus highway, is Lebanon's main land link with Syria, handling significant passenger and commercial traffic.
Minister Rasamny stressed the need for projects that yield economic returns, underscoring the necessity of expanding Beirut and Tripoli's ports alongside improving road and border infrastructure. He confirmed the government's commitment to upgrading border crossings and their access roads, seeking both internal and external support for the initiative.
The project aims to enhance capacity for trucks and passengers, reduce wait times, and improve services through streamlined processes and modern inspection systems. The planned upgrades include co-locating services and introducing digital procedures, which are expected to facilitate trade and strengthen border controls.
Andrew Lind, Head of Office of IOM Lebanon, praised the groundwork laid by the government and emphasized the need for international partners to fund the project, which aligns with Lebanon's priorities for economic recovery and improved border management.
The European Union has shown interest in supporting the modernization of the Masnaa border crossing as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance border management in Lebanon.