Erbil and Baghdad are launching a major joint initiative to secure the nation’s borders. Iraq’s Border Ports Commission has approved the formation of a high-level committee to inspect the Kurdistan Region’s frontiers. The new panel will permanently close all illegal border crossings. Consequently, both governments aim to eliminate smuggling and regulate commercial trade.
The decision emerged during the latest meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy. Furthermore, the federal Border Ports Commission will lead the comprehensive field operation. Representatives from various federal and regional authorities will join the inspection teams. Together, they will identify every unofficial border crossing operating without state supervision.
The initiative places a strong emphasis on economic security. Specifically, unauthorized trade bypasses essential health, legal, and customs regulations. Therefore, authorities expect the closures to recover lost public funds. Additionally, the measures will significantly increase national customs revenues.
During the council’s fifth meeting, a senior Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation participated actively. The Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Finance led the delegation alongside several regional officials. Afterward, the council tasked the joint committee with conducting a comprehensive border survey.
The committee will assess the infrastructure of existing unofficial crossing points. It will then submit a detailed report to the Ministerial Council for the Economy. The report will recommend granting official status to crossings that meet the required standards. Meanwhile, authorities will permanently close and dismantle any sites that fail to meet those standards.
Both finance ministries are also drafting a unified customs regulation. The document will standardize tariff reductions and exemptions across the country. Once the Federal Council of Ministers approves the draft, officials at all official border crossings will implement the new regulations. This step will ensure consistent enforcement in every province.
This cooperation marks a significant turning point in relations between Erbil and Baghdad. Both governments are prioritizing the rule of law at the nation’s borders. As a result, Iraq will better protect its domestic markets from unregulated foreign goods while strengthening customs enforcement and increasing public revenues.