Iraq and Iran Reach Agreement on Passenger Transport Across Shatt Al-Arab River Border

Iraqi and Iranian officials have reached a preliminary agreement to enable passenger transport across the Shatt Al-Arab River, which runs along their shared border. The agreement aims to reduce congestion at land border crossings and facilitate passenger movement between the two countries, particularly during cultural and religious events.

The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation announced the agreement, with the Director of the General Company for Maritime Transport, Ahmed Al-Asadi, participating in a joint meeting with representatives of Iranian ports. The transportation will be between the Iranian ports of Khorramshahr and the Ashar pier on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab, utilizing modern and secure boats currently available. These are described as the best and fastest option to stimulate river taxi traffic with its tourism and economic advantages.

Why this matters: The agreement marks a significant step in improving transportation links and people-to-people ties between Iraq and Iran. Facilitating cross-border passenger movement can boost tourism, cultural exchanges, and economic activity in the region.

The Shatt Al-Arab River stretches for around 200 kilometers and varies in width, reaching up to 800 meters near its mouth and around 232 meters in the southern Iraqi governorate of Basra. The agreement aligns with the directives of the Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Al-Saadawi, following his recent discussions with his Iranian counterpart on the matter.

Both countries' passenger boats are described as modern, secure, and equipped with rescue gear. "The aim is to facilitate passenger transportation between the two countries, especially during religious occasions, in order to alleviate crowding at land border crossings," the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation stated. The preliminary agreement represents a positive development in Iraq-Iran relations and cross-border cooperation in the transportation sector.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq, Iran agree to enable passenger transport across Shatt Al-Arab River.
• Agreement aims to reduce congestion at land border crossings and facilitate travel.
• Transport to be between Iranian ports of Khorramshahr and Ashar pier in Iraq.
• Passenger boats described as modern, secure, and equipped with rescue gear.
• Agreement represents positive development in Iraq-Iran transportation cooperation.