ARAR – Saudi Ambassador to Iraq Abdul Aziz Al-Shammari has said that the Arar border point between the Kingdom and Iraq will start experimental commercial operation on Oct. 15. He said this during an inspection tour of the border point along with Iraq's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Qahtan Al-Janabi on Thursday. Majid Al-Marzam, deputy governor of Saudi Customs to facilitate trade and operations, also accompanied them, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Al-Shammari said that the opening of the port will be a qualitative leap in strengthening Saudi-Iraqi relations, and raise the level of trade exchange between the two countries. It will also facilitate the movement of Haj and Umrah pilgrims throughout the year. The border had been closed since 1990 when relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq deteriorated following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia and Iraq had been in discussions about opening the border crossing for several years in a bid to boost trade between the two countries. The Saudi town of Arar is 70 km from the Iraqi border.
