ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A senior KRG official has denied reports of a new customs agreement with Baghdad on the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing. He said Erbil has not made any such decision.
Sami Jalal, a legal advisor at the KRG Ministry of Interior, addressed the issue. He also leads the negotiation team on the ASYCUDA system. He said Baghdad made the recent decision independently.
Moreover, he confirmed that KRG authorities have taken no steps to apply the system at the crossing. He stressed that no official approval has been issued so far. In addition, Jalal rejected claims that Baghdad can enforce the measure alone. He said such decisions require coordination and agreement with the Kurdistan Region.
Meanwhile, Samer Qasim Dawood had announced that the system would start on April 3. He described it as the result of years of dialogue and coordination. However, Jalal’s remarks contradict that statement. He said no practical steps have been taken by the KRG side until now.
Furthermore, Iraqi officials said the new procedure targets imports of food, medicine, and medical supplies. They explained that traders may benefit from access to U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. At the same time, officials noted that Kurdistan Region border crossings are not yet linked to the ASYCUDA system. Therefore, this move is considered an initial phase.
Additionally, Iraqi authorities said the system could help stabilize the market. They believe it may support the value of the Iraqi dinar.
The KRG stressed that any implementation must be based on mutual agreement. Officials said cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad remains essential for progress.