Jordan exempts Syrian trucks from entry, service fees

By Laith Al-jnaidi and Betul Yilmaz

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) – The Jordanian government decided on Wednesday to exempt Syrian trucks from entry and service fees amid an improvement in ties between the two neighbors.

The state news agency Petra said the move was in line with a decision to unify fees imposed on Jordanian and Syrian trucks and under the principle of reciprocity between the two countries.

The decision “is part of government efforts to keep pace with the increasing movement of trade and transport between the two neighboring countries,” Petra said.

Earlier this month, Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports said it would exempt Jordanian trucks from all fees under an agreement with Amman.

The deal came amid efforts by Syria’s new government to develop economic growth in various sectors after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

The next day, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian administration, who was appointed president on Jan. 29, tasked Mohammed Al-Bashir with forming a government to oversee Syria’s transitional period.