Beirut: A broad-based meeting was held on Tuesday at the Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport, bringing together representatives of land transport unions and syndicates, exporters, maritime agents, freight forwarders, and relevant stakeholders, in addition to a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Head of the Land Transport Department. The meeting addressed the repercussions of a recent decision by Syrian authorities regulating the entry of Lebanese trucks into Syrian territory.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, Ahmad Tamer, presented an overview of the Syrian decision and its practical implications, notably the requirement for Lebanese trucks bound for the Syrian market to unload their cargo at the border, while transit traffic remains exempt. Participants warned that the measure imposes additional operational burdens and high costs, with negative consequences for Lebanon’s land transport sector and bilateral trade.

The meeting recalled the provisions of the bilateral land transport agreement between Lebanon and Syria, which is based on equal treatment and the facilitation of direct transport. Participants agreed that the current application of the Syrian decision has disrupted this balance, harming Lebanese transport companies, drivers, exporters, particularly of perishable goods, and the overall flow of trade.

Tamer commended ongoing official and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, affirming the Directorate’s readiness for direct talks with Syrian counterparts. However, in light of Syria’s decision to maintain the measure, participants urged the adoption of appropriate steps, including reciprocal treatment, to protect the Lebanese land transport sector until the agreement is fully implemented.