Iraq reopens Jamima border crossing with Saudi Arabia

By Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD (AA) – The Iraqi authorities agreed on Thursday to reopen the Jamima border crossing with Saudi Arabia for the first time since 1991.

"The Jamima border crossing was reopened after the Saudi side agreed to open its side of the terminal and to prepare all the infrastructure and requirements," the Iraqi Border Ports Authority said in a statement.

The statement did not mention a specific date for the reopening of the border gate.

The Jamima border crossing, which is used by travelers, pilgrims and traders commuting between the two oil-rich countries, was closed in 1991 following the Second Gulf War.

In May 2019, the Iraqi government approved a draft law to enhance and protect investments with Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh and Baghdad resumed their diplomatic relations in 2015, which were severed following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar