ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s southern province of Najaf anticipates a new border crossing with Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to boost trade and investment, the governor announced Sunday, adding that Baghdad is now awaiting the green light from Riyadh.
Najaf province governor Yousif Gannawi told Rudaw's Gashaw Khalid on Sunday that the proposed crossing would strengthen commercial ties with Saudi Arabia and support Najaf's economic growth.
"After receiving the Iraqi prime minister's approval, we are now working to open a border crossing with Saudi Arabia, and we are waiting for the Saudi side's approval," he said.
The planned crossing marks another economic corridor between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, aimed at facilitating trade and travel between the two countries.
Gannawi also said Najaf International Airport is expected to receive its official operating license from Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority next week after the province resolved all 74 violations previously recorded against the airport.
"We expect Najaf International Airport to receive its official license next week after successfully resolving all 74 recorded violations," he said.
On Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in Riyadh to discuss bilateral relations, regional security and the impact of recent conflicts on stability in the region, according to a statement from the Iraqi foreign ministry.
During the meeting, the Iraqi foreign minister highlighted the importance of expanding economic and investment, strengthening energy partnerships and increasing political and security coordination between Baghdad and Riyadh.
The governor said the province is also expanding its energy sector, noting upcoming projects in Najaf’s three oil fields. Two wells have already been drilled at the Qarnayn oil field, which he described as producing high-quality crude oil in addition to indications of natural gas reserves at the site.
Opening the new border crossing and developing the province's oil sector would help increase local revenues and create more job opportunities, Gannawi said.
The Arar crossing is currently the main border crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
It is used annually during the Hajj season for Iraqi pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia and also handles commercial trade. The Jumaimah crossing in Muthanna province is considered the second border crossing between the two countries.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia agreed in 2019 to reopen the Arar crossing after it had remained closed for nearly three decades following the 1991 Gulf War.
The move was part of broader efforts by Baghdad and Riyadh to restore diplomatic and economic ties after years of strained relations
