DUBAI – Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh on Wednesday to enhance bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking, smuggling, and related transnational crimes.
The agreement, signed by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Naif and Iraqi Minister of Health and Chair of the Supreme Commission for Drug Control, Saleh Mahdi Al-Hasnawi, outlines coordinated measures to counter the trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the Iraqi News Agency, the MoU consists of 17 key articles covering a broad scope of collaborative initiatives. These include intelligence-sharing, technical training programs, early warning mechanisms, and the development of joint strategies for prevention, monitoring, and control.
A significant focus of the agreement is improved coordination at border crossings, which both countries have identified as critical pressure points in the fight against cross-border smuggling operations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Iraq’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia Al-Suhail, and comes amid heightened regional concerns over the surge in drug-related crimes and their growing impact on public health and national security.
Iraq’s Ministry of Health stated that the agreement reflects “deepened bilateral ties and institutional integration” between Riyadh and Baghdad in confronting one of the region’s most pressing and complex challenges.
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