Al-Yousef from Basra: Al-Abdali border crossing to open for travelers and trade within 48 hours

- The relationship between Iraq and Kuwait is strong and cannot be undermined

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, announced from Basra that the Abdi border crossing would be opened for passenger and commercial traffic within 48 hours.

Al-Yousef’s remarks came during a joint press conference with Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani, following talks between the two officials during the First Deputy’s visit to Basra.

The First Deputy stated that “the relationship between Iraq and Kuwait is strong and cannot be undermined,” adding that “the Abdi crossing will be open within 48 hours to receive Iraqis or allow Kuwaiti citizens to enter Iraq,” while emphasizing the need to “continue commercial trade between the two countries.”

He thanked the Governor of Basra, affirming that “whatever happens between Kuwait and Iraq… we will remain neighbors and brothers… anyone who tries to create discord between us will find that such visits will be repeated, and this is neither my first nor my last visit, so that anyone who harbors ill will and attempts to drive a wedge between Iraq and Kuwait… we will nip any fitna (discord) in the bud.”

Al-Yousef said, “Anyone who harbors ill will toward Kuwait and Iraq must be confronted with strength.” For his part, Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani said Iraq welcomed the First Deputy’s visit and his accompanying delegation through the Safwan border crossing, noting that “this visit confirms that Iraq is a country of love and peace toward its brothers in the Gulf states, especially Kuwait, and that relations between the two countries are built on brotherhood and shared interests.”

He stressed that “there is continuous coordination and communication between the two sides to overcome any obstacles or individual errors that may occur, and to strengthen relations between the two fraternal peoples.”