The normalization steps between Turkey and Syria have yielded their first fruit.

The Abu Zendin Crossing Gate in the northeast of Aleppo, where commercial activities are carried out between the opposition and the Syrian regime, has been opened for the first time since it was closed in 2020. On June 27, a few trucks from the regime's area crossed into the opposition's area for trial purposes. The development is noteworthy as it comes after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recently stated to Russia's Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, that they are open to all initiatives and efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey.



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION, BUT...



With the start of the civil war in 2011, the map of Syria was reshaped. The north of Syria was cleared of terrorism through operations carried out jointly by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the Syrian National Army (SNA) consisting of the opposition between 2016 and 2020. In the regions where development continues, especially in areas such as education, health, and housing, industry has also started to develop over time. Many industrial zones established in Cerablus, Al-Bab, Cobanbey, Azez, Mare, and Afrin enabled the local people to work and produce. However, due to the inability to open trade routes, the products were still processed in the region.



COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES WILL REVIVE



The Local Council of Al-Bab announced on June 26 that the Zendin Trade Gate in the village of Abu Zendin, which is the border point between the opposition and the Syrian regime, will be reopened. The statement emphasized that with the start of trade to other points in Syria, the local producer and council will generate income, and with the increase in commercial activity, development will accelerate. It was also stated that infrastructure will be improved, activities for the public interest and better services will be provided. In addition, the importance of cooperation between the local council and the people in this regard was emphasized.



TRUCKS STARTED TO CROSS



According to a news report in Yeni Şafak, after this announcement, a few trucks from the regime crossed from the Abu Zendin Gate to the opposition areas on June 27. According to local sources, the opening of the gate will provide great economic benefits. With the products produced in the region being sent to both the regime-controlled areas and third countries, industry in the opposition-held areas will rapidly grow. The heart of industry in the new Syria will beat in the north once again.



CLOSED SINCE THE PANDEMIC



The Abu Zendin Gate was opened in 2017 after the region was cleared of the terrorist organization ISIS through the Euphrates Shield Operation. The gate was opened for trade in this area as it was the last point between the regime and the opposition in the Abu Zendin village. The gate was closed for trade in 2019 due to the coronavirus. The Abu Zendin Gate, which was opened for a few hours in 2020, has been closed for 4 years.