Jordan's government has been working to further develop effective co-operation with Iraq in all fields, especially in the security and economic arenas, Interior Minister Ghaleb Zubi said Sunday (February 18th).
Zubi met with Iraqi Interior Minister Qasim Araji on Sunday to discuss ways to best serve the interests of both countries, the Jordan Times reported.
This includes enhancing bilateral relations in issues related to anti-terrorism, combatting extremism, border security, thwarting infiltrations, human trafficking and trade exchange through the Al-Karama/Trebil crossing.
Jordan always seeks to open wider horizons of co-operation with Iraq, Zubi said.
As for the re-opening of the Al-Karama/Trebil crossing a few months ago, he said, it has to be developed to facilitate the trade exchange and allow trucks to arrive at their final destinations.
The current back-to-back unloading and reloading of goods at the border onto Iraqi trucks is an expensive process, according to sector leaders, he said.
Araji said the Iraqi government is working "at full capacity" to facilitate movement through the border crossing, as this is the shortest road for Iraqi and Jordanian goods to reach the other country's market.
"Both countries" are trying to address any challenges that impede a smooth flow of trade, he added.
The border crossing was closed for almost four years for security reasons.
Prime Minister Hani Mulki announced last week that Jordanian drivers can now head directly to their destinations inside Iraq.
