His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Northern Borders Region, officially launched the ‘Jadidat Arar' port from both the Saudi and Iraqi sides on Wednesday, 18 November 2020 (2 Rabi al-Thani 1442), in the availability of an Iraqi delegation led by H.E. Othman Al-Ghanimi, Minister of Interior, and H.E. Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Alhakbani, Governor of the General Customs Authority, Saudi Arabia.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Northern Borders Region, stated that the establishment of the Jadidat Arar port both from the Saudi and Iraqi sides marks the beginning of a new era that will make a contribution to enhancing bilateral relations and advantage the two brotherly countries' common interests.

“This opening symbolizes a golden opportunity that, God willing, will lead the two brotherly countries to new frontiers that will lead to the development of their economies and the reinforcing of their linguistic bonds, and the historical and social relationship. We express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for this venture, and we hope to nurture trade exchange in the next process, as the beginning of the port is the first step toward achieving economic cooperation,” said His Excellency Othman Al-Ghanimi, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Iraq, during his speech at the inauguration ceremony.

“This wonderful project earned praise and assistance from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense – may Allah bless them –to finish it in all cycles, until it is fitted with its interconnected services and facilities that have been as per the best standards.

“It is important to note that this port is of high significance because of the gracious care it received, particularly from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – may Allah bless him – by setting the foundation stone during his tour to the Northern Borders Region 2 years ago,” said H.E. Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Alhakbani, Governor of the General Customs Authority, in his lecture at the inauguration ceremony.

His Excellency explained that the opening of a new port in Arar from the Saudi and Iraqi sides is a turning point for the two brotherly nations and their citizens given what it will accomplish to strengthen the economic and social relationship between the two nations by increasing the volume of bilateral trade between them, especially since the Kingdom has a plan to construct and operate a logistics zone on this port as a special economic area.

He also stated that the two sides are looking forward to a future lot of possibilities in all areas of collaboration that bring the two brotherly nations together, owing to the port's significant potential to influence the development of the border region. It will make it easier for everybody to gain from all of the services offered, enabling intra-trade movement and increasing the volume of global trade, ultimately leading to the implementation of the two nations' leaders' and peoples' aspirations.

Alhakbani added that both sides agreed to open the port in full compliance with the end result of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council's work in its fourth session, which had been authorized by His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense – may Allah protect him – and the Prime Minister.

His Excellency applauded Saudi Customs' joint action and continued support from all government departments from the beginning of the project until its official opening, which was overseen and supported by His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the General Customs Authority.

On the Iraqi side, Saudi Customs stated that the project will include the establishment of a new and incorporated port to facilitate the movement of passengers and cargo. It also has an X-ray surveillance system, truck scales, a power and water purification station, a mosque, storage facilities, and waiting areas for trucks. On the Saudi side, exports and imports, and assessment yards, have been redeveloped, and all amenities and staff housing have been enhanced to provide healthier living and working surroundings. Besides, the international road has also been renovated, and the whole views have been enhanced.