ISTANBUL: One of the border crossings between Turkey and Syria is to reopen on Tuesday, ending a 12-year closure, local officials said Monday.&nbsp;The reopening of the Akcakale crossing, which sits roughly in the middle of Turkey&#39;s 900-kilometre (550-mile) border with Syria, is the latest step in Damascus&#39;s move towards normalization with its neighbors.&nbsp;It was partially reopened in 2019 for trade, funerals and the crossing of government officials after a Turkish military operations.&nbsp;The decision will now mean the crossing is open to civilians.&nbsp;&quot;In light of the normalisation of life in the region... entry and exit procedures using passports to and from the Syrian Arab Republic via the Akcakale Land Border Crossing will start on Tuesday,&quot; the Sanliurfa governor&#39;s office said in a statement.&nbsp;The move will mean six of the 12 crossings between Turkey and Syria will be open.&nbsp;Turkey has forged close ties with Syria&#39;s new rulers, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa joining a diplomacy forum in Turkey&#39;s southern Antalya resort in April.

Middle East

Turkey will reopen the Akcakale border crossing with Syria to civilians on Tuesday, ending a 12-year closure. The move increases the number of operational crossings between the two countries to six, reflecting improving ties between Ankara and Damascus.

Articles tagged with "Akcakale crossing"

Turkey-Syria border gate to reopen after 12-year closure

Turkey-Syria border gate to reopen after 12-year closure