BAGHDAD — Saudi Arabia’s Transport Minister Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser and his Iraqi counterpart Nasser Hussein Al-Shibli presided over a meeting of the Transport, Border Crossings, and Ports Committee at the Saudi-Iraqi Coordinating Council here on Monday.

During the meeting, issues of common interest were reviewed, especially in the field of transport, border crossings, and ports, as well as the readiness of a new port in Arar, which would facilitate the trade movement between the two countries and strengthen economic and trade relations in order to achieve the aspirations of the leadership and people of the two brotherly countries.

At the outset of the meeting, Al-Jasser conveyed greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to the delegates, hailing the historically profound relations binding the two countries.

He underscored the need to take advantage of the opportunities available in both countries in the transport sector.

For his part, the Iraqi minister expressed his country’s desire and interest in developing and strengthening various aspects of cooperation with Saudi Arabia and its aspiration to benefit from the Kingdom’s experience in the transport and logistics sector.

In a press statement after the meeting, the Saudi transport minister said: “Within the framework of the leadership of the two countries to strengthen the bonds of the relationship and partnership, the committee held its meeting in brotherly Iraq, where a number of issues of concern to the two countries were discussed and an agreement was reached to enhance cooperation in various means of transport. Both sides reached an understanding to complete the preparations to open a new port in Arar. ”

For his part, the Iraqi transport minister said the two sides sought to boost cooperation in the fields of maritime, air, land transport, and railway connectivity

The meeting reviewed agreements and the progress made so far. It was also decided to activate the maritime line between the Umm Qasr and Saudi ports.

It was hoped that Arar would open soon and would contribute to supporting the Saudi-Iraqi economy.

Earlier in the day, the two ministers have held a one-on-one meeting and reviewed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, especially in the transport sector.