Al-Boukamal -Al-Qaim Border Crossing between Syria and Iraq Opens Officially

DEIR EZZOUR, (ST)- The border crossing of al-Boukamal-al-Qaim between Syria and Iraq was officially reopened on Monday for travelers and goods.

The crossing was opened in the presence of the Syrian Interior Minister Major General Mohammad Khaled al-Rahmoun and head of the Iraqi Border Crossing Commission Kazem al-Oqabi who represented The Iraqi prime minister in the event.

In a statement to journalists, al-Rahmoun said the crossing is crucial for trade movement and personal travel between Syria and Iraq, which bears social, political and economic value for both countries.

This great achievement has been made possible because of the sacrifices and victories of the Syrian Arab Army and the Iraqi Army in the fight against terrorist groups, mainly the Daesh terrorist takfiri organization,” he added.

The crossing is one of three key border crossings shared between Iraq and Syria and is considered one of the major supply routes across the Middle East.

 Completion of all preparations for the reopening of the al-Boukamal Crossing with Iraq

Earlier in the day, concerned authorities completed the necessary measures and arrangements to reopen the Al-Boukamal -Al-Qaim Crossing with Iraq, 160km to the east of Deir Ezzor city.

The Syrian Arab Army defeated Daesh terrorist organization which had seized the town of Al-Boukamal and its crossing on November 19, 2017.

On September 29, the Iraqi Border Port Commission announced the approval of the Iraqi government to open the Al-Qaim –Al-Boukamal Crossing for the movement of goods and people after completing all required procedures.

Syria links Iraq with three border crossings, the most important of which is the Al-Boukamal Crossing.

 Obaida al-Mohammad