Iraq moves to reopen al-Waleed, Rabia border crossings with Syria

The head of Iraq’s Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar al-Waeli, announced today that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani had instructed the cancellation of ground handling fees at seaports, in addition to accelerating the reopening of the al-Waleed and Rabia border crossings along the Syrian border.

Al-Waeli explained that the decision to eliminate ground handling fees will be issued during the next Cabinet session, noting that the General Company for Maritime Transport has also been directed to continue granting exemptions to importers and traders in support of commercial activity.

Regarding the border crossings, al-Waeli stated that al-Sudani emphasized the need to expedite the reopening of the al-Waleed and Rabia crossings in order to increase trade exchange and enhance Iraq’s strategic geographic role within the “Development Road” project aimed at linking East and West.

He confirmed that the relevant personnel are present at both crossings and are working at a high pace, expressing expectations that they will be reopened in the coming days. This, he noted, will positively impact public revenues and strengthen transit movement through Iraq.

ANHA