Iraq, Jordan Discuss Border Security and Combatting Terrorism

The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
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Iraq, Jordan Discuss Border Security and Combatting Terrorism

The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)

Jordan and Iraq discussed Sunday means of bolstering bilateral cooperation in combatting terrorism, extremism and border security.

Jordanian Minister of Interior Mazen al-Faraya and his Iraqi counterpart Othman al-Ghanimi also tackled in Amman ways to address smuggling operations and human trafficking.

Exchange of information, development of trade exchange operations through the Karameh border crossing (Trebil), investment, revitalization of tourism, facilitation of residency procedures and visa granting were among the issues discussed, the Jordanian news agency (Petra) reported.

The government is keen to overcome obstacles that would affect bilateral ties, Faraya said, adding that it has allowed trucks to enter, facilitated trade and movement and developed e-procedures to grant visas and residencies.

Ghanimi, for his part, pointed to the old and well-established bilateral ties and historical bonds that require continuous progress to develop them through coordination and joint consultation in exchanging training and information expertise, forensic evidence and the use of security technology.

He said his visit aims to consider the smooth flow of trade and investment, and address some difficulties faced by Iraqis residing in the kingdom.

Both sides are expected to reconsider the 2005 security agreement to achieve their common interests.



UK Rejects Criticism That Move to Recognize Palestinian State Rewards Hamas 

Demonstrators gather outside the UN Headquarters during a "Stop Starving Gaza" protest in New York City, US, July 29, 2025. (Reuters)
Demonstrators gather outside the UN Headquarters during a "Stop Starving Gaza" protest in New York City, US, July 29, 2025. (Reuters)
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UK Rejects Criticism That Move to Recognize Palestinian State Rewards Hamas 

Demonstrators gather outside the UN Headquarters during a "Stop Starving Gaza" protest in New York City, US, July 29, 2025. (Reuters)
Demonstrators gather outside the UN Headquarters during a "Stop Starving Gaza" protest in New York City, US, July 29, 2025. (Reuters)

Britain on Wednesday rejected criticism that it was rewarding the Hamas group by setting out plans to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to improve the situation in Gaza and bring about peace.

The sight of emaciated Gaza children has shocked the world in recent days and on Tuesday, a hunger monitor warned that a worst-case scenario of famine was unfolding there and immediate action was needed to avoid widespread death.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ultimatum, setting a September deadline for Israel, prompted an immediate rebuke from his counterpart in Jerusalem, who said it rewarded Hamas and punished the victims of their 2023 cross-border attack.

US President Donald Trump said he did not think Hamas "should be rewarded" with recognition of Palestinian independence.

Asked about that criticism, British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander - designated by the government to respond to questions in a series of media interviews on Wednesday - said it was not the right way to characterize Britain's plan.

“This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organization that has committed appalling atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about those children that we see in Gaza who are starving to death,” she told LBC radio.

“We've got to ratchet up pressure on the Israeli government to lift the restrictions to get aid back into Gaza.”

France announced last week it would recognize Palestinian statehood in September.

Successive British governments have said they would recognize a Palestinian state when it was most effective to do so.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Starmer said that moment had now come, highlighting the suffering in Gaza and saying the prospect of a two-state solution - a Palestinian state coexisting in peace alongside Israel - was under threat.

Starmer said Britain would make the move at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel took substantive steps to allow more aid to enter Gaza, made clear there will be no annexation of the West Bank and committed to a long-term peace process that delivered a two-state solution.