Syria and Belgium Explore Cooperation on Syrian Port Modernization Following Field Visits
Shipping Arabia, October 26, 2026 – The Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs has held discussions with the Belgian development agency Enabel to explore technical and institutional cooperation on Syrian port modernization, following field assessments at Latakia Port, Tartus Port and the General Directorate of Ports.
Mazen Alloush, Director of International Relations and Cooperation at the authority, received a Belgian delegation led by Patrick Gaudissart, Enabel’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Neighbourhood. The meeting concluded a multi-day working visit focused on assessing the condition of Syrian ports and identifying opportunities to improve their infrastructure, operations and institutional capabilities.
The discussions form part of the authority’s efforts to expand cooperation with specialized international institutions and benefit from international expertise in port management, maritime operations and infrastructure development.
Belgian Delegation Assesses Latakia and Tartus Ports
The Belgian delegation conducted meetings and field visits between October 19 and 21, covering Latakia Port, Tartus Port and the General Directorate of Ports.
During the visits, delegation members met with officials and maritime sector representatives to examine existing port infrastructure, equipment and operational processes. They also reviewed the modernization plans adopted by the relevant Syrian authorities and discussed priorities for improving port services.
The assessments provided an opportunity to identify operational and institutional requirements that could form the basis of future technical cooperation between the Syrian authority and Enabel.
The discussions covered several areas of Syrian port modernization, including improvements to port governance, digital systems and vessel traffic management. Participants also examined measures to strengthen operational efficiency and modernize maritime safety and security arrangements.
Another priority involved developing the technical and administrative capabilities of port personnel through specialized training and capacity-building programs. The meetings also addressed the modernization of regulatory and legislative frameworks to bring port management and maritime activities into closer alignment with international standards.
Syrian Port Modernization Could Benefit From Belgian Expertise
The Syrian and Belgian representatives examined opportunities to benefit from Belgium’s experience in port management and development, particularly the operational practices and technical capabilities of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Discussions focused on potential cooperation in port administration, operational management, digital transformation and specialized maritime training. These areas were identified as possible avenues for transferring technical knowledge and strengthening the capabilities of Syrian port institutions.
The two sides also explored opportunities to develop maritime surveillance systems and exchange technical expertise related to port operations and maritime activities.
The potential cooperation would draw on Belgian experience while addressing the operational and institutional requirements identified during the visits to Syrian ports.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of combining infrastructure and equipment improvements with stronger governance, modern operating systems and qualified personnel.
From Port Assessments to Practical Cooperation Programs
During the concluding meeting, Alloush and the Belgian delegation reviewed the main findings of the field visits and discussions with port officials.
The meeting focused on identifying how the requirements observed at Latakia and Tartus could be translated into specific areas of technical cooperation aligned with the authority’s priorities and port modernization plans.
Alloush emphasized the importance of moving beyond preliminary consultations and needs assessments toward developing clear, practical technical proposals and actionable work programs.
He reaffirmed the Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs’ commitment to establishing effective and sustainable international partnerships that facilitate knowledge transfer, strengthen national capabilities and improve the competitiveness of Syrian ports.
The authority also aims to enhance the role of Syrian ports in regional and international trade through improvements to infrastructure, operational performance and institutional capacity.
For his part, Gaudissart expressed appreciation for the cooperation and assistance provided to the Belgian delegation throughout its visit.
He confirmed Enabel’s readiness to continue technical coordination with the Syrian authority and develop cooperation proposals based on the findings of the field assessments and the actual requirements identified at the ports.
Such proposals would provide a foundation for potential joint programs supporting the development and modernization of Syria’s port sector.
Expanding International Partnerships for Syrian Ports
The discussions reflect the Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs’ wider approach to strengthening relationships with specialized international organizations and drawing on global experience in port development.
The authority is seeking to use international cooperation to support improvements in maritime infrastructure, port services, institutional governance and operational efficiency.
The engagement with Enabel places particular emphasis on identifying practical cooperation opportunities that respond to the needs of Syrian ports rather than limiting discussions to general areas of partnership.
The next steps will focus on continued technical coordination and the preparation of potential cooperation programs based on the priorities established during the October field visits.
Through these efforts, the authority aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Syrian ports, improve their operational capabilities and support their contribution to regional and international trade and investment.
Source: Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs
