Saudi Arabia and Iraq plan to reopen the Arar border for the first time since 1990 , when it was closed following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.
Iraqi religious pilgrims, had access to the border crossing only once annually during the hajj season for the past 27 years.
According to Saudi local media report, the decision was taken after Riyadh’s cabinet decided to establish a joint trade commission with Iraq.
“The cabinet has decided to approve the establishment of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordinating Commission and to delegate the Saudi minister of trade and investments to sign on behalf of the kingdom,” read a statement carried by state-run SPA news agency.
Earlier in 2015 , Saudi Arabia had reopened its embassy in Baghdad after a break of 25 years. The growing thaw in the relationship between Saudi and Iraq is also suggestive of Riyadh’s intent to contain the influence of its regional rival Iran.
Iraqi religious pilgrims, had access to the border crossing only once annually during the hajj season for the past 27 years.
According to Saudi local media report, the decision was taken after Riyadh’s cabinet decided to establish a joint trade commission with Iraq.
“The cabinet has decided to approve the establishment of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordinating Commission and to delegate the Saudi minister of trade and investments to sign on behalf of the kingdom,” read a statement carried by state-run SPA news agency.
Earlier in 2015 , Saudi Arabia had reopened its embassy in Baghdad after a break of 25 years. The growing thaw in the relationship between Saudi and Iraq is also suggestive of Riyadh’s intent to contain the influence of its regional rival Iran.
Arar is a border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
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