JEDDAH, 18 July 2003 — The Kingdom has approved the reopening of the border crossing of Arar between the Kingdom and Iraq for exports, Al-Watan newspaper reported yesterday.
The newspaper said the opening of the border was a response to requests by Saudi businessmen to facilitate export movement so as to enable them to meet Iraqi market needs.
Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, told the Foreign Ministry to begin the process of opening the border.
The daily said the border post was now ready for business, but on the Iraqi side further preparations were necessary and the US authority in Iraq needed to ensure protection.
The decision eases the difficulties of Saudi exporters, who have had to export goods through Jordan, paying a fee and increased transportation costs in the process.
Saudi trade with Iraq is expected to reach more than $650 million.
