Jordan and Syria reopened a major border crossing on Oct. 15 after more than a month of bilateral technical talks. The Jaber/Nassib border crossing had been closed for the past three years since rebels took control of the Syrian side in April 2015. Jordan insisted that it would open the border point only when the Syrian government regained control, which it did in July.

The crossing is a vital commercial artery not only for the two countries' bilateral trade, estimated at $750 million in 2010, but for the whole region. Since 2011, Syria’s losses from the border closure were estimated at $5 billion, while the kingdom lost $800 million and Lebanon $900 million.

Until the closure, goods worth $2 billion had passed through the crossing annually. For Jordan, Syria is the gateway to Lebanese, Turkish and European markets, while goods coming from Syria, Lebanon and Turkey must pass through Jordan to reach the lucrative Gulf markets. Lebanese President Michel Aoun welcomed the reopening of the crossing on Oct. 15, saying that it will restore Lebanon’s connection to Arab countries.

The border will be open for passengers and freight but it is not likely to see much heavy traffic yet. President of Jordan’s Truck Owners Association Mohammad al-Dawood was quoted on Oct. 15 by the official Petra news agency as saying that 5,000 Jordanian trucks are ready to transport freight between the two countries and beyond, but only 1,200 trucks will be deployed immediately. Dawood said he expects Jordan to export essential goods needed by Syria and Jordanian trucks will now be able to reach Mediterranean ports. He added that Jordan also stands to benefit from reconstruction projects in Syria once they begin.