Kuwait Says to Open Abdali Border Crossing with Iraq

Kuwaiti Prime Minister during his visit to Abdali port on Thursday, December 16, 2021. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Prime Minister during his visit to Abdali port on Thursday, December 16, 2021. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Says to Open Abdali Border Crossing with Iraq

Kuwaiti Prime Minister during his visit to Abdali port on Thursday, December 16, 2021. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Prime Minister during his visit to Abdali port on Thursday, December 16, 2021. (KUNA)

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sabah al-Khaled said Abdali border crossing with Iraq will be opened next week to boost economic cooperation, trade exchange and facilitate movement between the two countries.

Al-Khaled made an inspection tour of the northern border facilities. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad al-Ali and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmed al-Nasser.

In this context, Head of Iraq’s Border Ports Authority Omar al-Waeli underlined the economic and commercial significance of this border checkpoint for both countries.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Safwan and Abdali border crossings with Kuwait were shut to travelers and trade at both countries’ request in March 2020, amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.

The recent decision will bolster bilateral commercial and economic cooperation, Waeli noted, affirming that both countries welcomed the decision.

Commenting on the importance of the border crossing in the future, Waeli pointed out that Kuwait has one border crossing with Iraq, making it crucial during all times.



African Peace and Security Council Proposes Sudan Roadmap

 Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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African Peace and Security Council Proposes Sudan Roadmap

 Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has proposed a roadmap to resolve the war in Sudan.

A delegation from the council is visiting the interim Sudanese capital, Port Sudan, for the first time since the eruption of the war in the country in April 2023.

The delegation informed Sudanese officials that the African Union is seeking a ceasefire in line with a roadmap proposed by its Peace and Security Council. The details of the roadmap were not disclosed.

Sudanese officials, for their part, briefed the delegation on the conflict.

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello told Asharq Al-Awsat that contacts are ongoing with the African Union over a mechanism to monitor the implementation of current and future agreements.

It is best to remain prepared, he added. The international community must assess the options to support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities.

Moreover, he noted that elements that support the ousted regime of President Omar al-Bashir are within the army and opposed to the democratic civilian rule in the country.

He accused them of seeking to prolong the war and returning to rule against the will of the people.

The envoy also said the conflict cannot be resolved through a military solution.

Over the months, the army has wasted opportunities to end the war through negotiations that could restore peace and civilian rule, he noted.

The latest escalation between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will cost countless lives among civilians, warned Perriello.