Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr met his Lebanese counterpart Fayez Rasamny on Saturday to discuss ways to improve transport operations and strengthen coordination mechanisms between the two countries.  The two sides agreed to reactivate the 1993 agreement governing passenger and freight transport and resume meetings of the joint committee overseeing its implementation.  They also stressed the importance of following up on existing memoranda of understanding related to unified transit documentation, transport of hazardous materials, axle-load standards and road safety measures.  Discussions also focused on expanding the role of the joint technical committee to include representatives from customs and general security agencies, in addition to addressing cargo transshipment procedures.  Badr said current transshipment measures are temporary and linked to domestic conditions, while the Lebanese side called for exemptions for Lebanese-origin goods.  The ministers also agreed to establish a joint committee that will meet regularly to address border-related issues and facilitate freight movement procedures.  The two sides discussed harmonizing operations at land border crossings, particularly Al-Arida and Masnaa, and studying the implementation of a “one-stop” system to facilitate the movement of passengers and trucks.  The talks come amid broader efforts to strengthen Syrian-Lebanese cooperation in transport and logistics and facilitate trade and economic ties between the two countries. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency