Iraqi and Iranian officials engaged in discussions on Tuesday, leading to a preliminary agreement enabling passenger transport between the two nations across the Shatt Al-Arab River that serves as their common border.
A statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Transport revealed that Ahmed Al-Asadi, the director of the State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT), participated in talks with Iranian port officials to initiate the transport of passengers through the Shatt Al-Arab, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The initiation of these talks was prompted by Iraqi Transport Minister Razzaq Al-Saadawi following recent dialogues with his Iranian counterpart.
Al-Asadi underlined the importance of the agreement, emphasizing its potential to alleviate congestion at land border points and enhance passenger mobility between the two countries, particularly during cultural and religious festivities.
Pointing out the modern and secure nature of passenger boats from both nations, the SCMT director mentioned that they are furnished with essential rescue equipment.
The Shatt Al-Arab River extends approximately 200 kilometers (around 120 miles) and demarcates the border between Iran and Iraq as it flows into the Persian Gulf at its southernmost tip.
With variable widths, the river reaches up to 800 meters (2,600 feet) near its estuary and approximately 232 meters (761 feet) in Basra, a southern Iraqi governorate.
