Iraq, Saudi Arabia reopen key border crossing after decades

Iraq and Saudi Arabia have reopened main border crossing for tre between two nations after three deces of closure, Iraq's border authority said on Wednesday.

Arar crossing was shuttered in 1990s, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait after which Riyh cut all ties with Iraq. crossing remained closed, reflecting unease in Baghd-Riyh ties with successive governments.

But diplomatic ties were restored in 2015, following several high-level meetings that le first to reopening of Riyh's embassy in Baghd. Later, in 2017, a bilateral coordination council was established to improve ties.

Arar's reopening represents a key step toward firming relations and deepening Iraq-Saudi ecomic cooperation. Previously, crossing would open just once a year for annual Hajj pilgrim to Mecca.

Iraqi officials hope re-opening of Arar, located just south of Iraqi town of An-Nukhaib in western Anbar province, will bolster tre activity and provide a much needed boost to Iraq's ecomy, suffering from a dire liquidity crisis. To predominately Sunni population of Anbar, increased tre activity with kingdom also brings potential for jobs.

Improving relations with Saudi Arabia was a key policy of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khimi when he took office in May. Riyh was among first destinations al-Khimi planned to visit as premier and in July, Iraq signed several joint investment agreements covering energy and health sectors.

“We have many memoranda of understanding signed with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve our country,” al-Khimi recently said.