Iran, Iraq to open new border crossing

Iran and Iraq will open a new border crossing to further ease the transit of goods, transportation of cargos, and bilateral trade between the two countries.

Iran and Iraq are keen on bolstering their bilateral trade that stands at nearly $11 billion; both countries are taking steps to help further engagement in commerce at border areas.

Officials from Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan region visited various facilities and commercial complexes on both sides of the border in a bid to increase economic ties. 

Deputy Governor-General for Political Affairs of Iran’s Western Province of Kurdestan, Hossein Khosheqbal met officials from the Iraqi district of Panjwen. 

Panjwen is part of Suleiymaniya, a city in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. 

They visited the Siran-Band border crossing and market to get more familiar with any difficulties in the way of more transport and transit.

Panjwen Mayor Zana Rahman said, “The Iraqi central government has agreed that Siran-Band become an official border crossing.” 

He said the groundwork for the crossing's formal opening has been laid so that passengers can cross the border in the coming weeks. 

The Iraqi delegation later visited commercial complexes at Baneh county on the Iranian side of the border.

EA