Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Armenia to send humanitarian aid to Syria through Türkiye

International humanitarian aid trucks cross into Syria's northwestern Idlib province through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Türkiye, on September 7, 2020 (AFP Photo)
International humanitarian aid trucks cross into Syria's northwestern Idlib province through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Türkiye, on September 7, 2020 (AFP Photo)
March 20, 2025 03:07 PM GMT+03:00

Armenia has announced that the Alican-Margara border crossing with Türkiye will open from March 21 to 31 to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid to Syria.

This decision, made by the Armenian government, aims to expedite the delivery of essential supplies to Syria through Turkish territory.

Trucks part of an aid convoy cross from Türkiye into rebel-held north Syria through the Bab al-Salama crossing after it reopened for U.N. relief after last week's earthquake, Feb. 14, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Trucks part of an aid convoy cross from Türkiye into rebel-held north Syria through the Bab al-Salama crossing after it reopened for U.N. relief after last week's earthquake, Feb. 14, 2023. (AFP Photo)

Background on Alican-Margara border crossing

The Alican-Margara border crossing closed since 1993, has been the subject of previous discussions regarding the opening for humanitarian purposes.

In 2022, during the normalization process between Armenia and Türkiye, an agreement was reached to allow third-country nationals and diplomatic passport holders to cross the border. However, this agreement has not yet been implemented.

The border crossing was temporarily opened in 2023 to allow humanitarian aid from Armenia to reach Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes.

Search and rescue teams work tirelessly to recover survivors and victims from the ruins of a collapsed building, Hatay, Türkiye, Feb. 6, 2023. (AA Photo)
Search and rescue teams work tirelessly to recover survivors and victims from the ruins of a collapsed building, Hatay, Türkiye, Feb. 6, 2023. (AA Photo)

Decision to open border for Syria's humanitarian needs

The decision to open the Alican-Margara crossing for aid to Syria follows consultations between representatives from Armenia and Syria.

The Armenian government stated that the decision was made to facilitate faster and more cost-effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria. The Armenian prime minister’s office emphasized that this move is in line with the country's commitment to assist Syria in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

"The government amended the decree of May 12, 2011, on border crossings, which indicated that the 'Margara' checkpoint was closed. The draft was developed by the Prime Minister's office. They noted that its adoption will allow faster and less expensive delivery of cargo to Syria," the information states.

March 20, 2025 03:07 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today