Humanitarian Aid From Armenia Crosses Turkey’s Border Through Margara Checkpoint for Syria

Armenia has dispatched aid to Syria through the Margara border checkpoint, which connects Armenia with Turkey. This initiative, undertaken with bilateral arrangements between Armenia and Turkey, aims to provide relief to the people of Syria, who continue to suffer from the ongoing crisis of war.

On the morning of Friday, March 21, in the presence of The Armenian Report and other local media, four trucks carrying essential supplies departed from an international cargo forwarding company and headed towards the Margara checkpoint. From there, the humanitarian aid will continue its journey to Syria, delivering much-needed food, medicine, hygiene items, and other critical supplies to those in need.

The Armenian government made an important decision in its Cabinet meeting on Thursday to open the Margara checkpoint between March 21 and 31. This temporary measure facilitates the transportation of humanitarian aid through Turkish territory, demonstrating Armenia’s commitment to providing assistance to its Syrian allies.

The initiative stems from an agreement reached on January 27 between Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahan Kostanyan, and Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani. Their discussions led to the arrangement that allows the passage of aid through the Margara checkpoint, ensuring a smoother and more efficient delivery process.

The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains severe, with millions facing food insecurity, medical shortages, and inadequate living conditions due to years of war and instability. The aid provided by Armenia includes food and medical supplies, both of which are essential in addressing the dire needs of the Syrian population.

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spoke about the importance of this mission, emphasizing that it was carried out under diplomatic coordination and bilateral agreements. The MFA also extended gratitude to Turkey for facilitating the logistical aspects of this humanitarian effort, ensuring the safe and efficient passage of the aid trucks through its territory.

This humanitarian mission not only shows Armenia’s dedication to supporting the Syrian people but also reflects a rare moment of cooperation between Armenia and Turkey. Historically, relations between the two nations have been strained due to the Armenian Genocide and Nagorno-Karabakh.

While the opening of the Margara checkpoint is temporary, the gesture is a testament to the power of humanitarian diplomacy in building dialogue and cooperation between nations, even those with complex historical ties.