Basra (IraqiNews.com) – Kuwait will reopen the Abdali border crossing with Iraq within the next 48 hours, Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah announced on Saturday, stressing that a recent drone attack on the facility will not disrupt passenger movement or bilateral trade. The announcement came during Al-Sabah’s visit to Iraq’s southern Basra province, where he met Governor Asaad Al-Eidani to discuss border security, bilateral relations, and regional developments. Speaking after arriving at the Safwan border crossing, Al-Sabah said the Abdali crossing would resume operations within two days, allowing the movement of travelers and commercial goods between Iraq and Kuwait.
“The Abdali border crossing will reopen to passenger and trade traffic within 48 hours,” he said, thanking Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani and describing relations between the two countries as rooted in brotherhood. He emphasized that Kuwait and Iraq would not allow attempts to create division between the neighboring states. “Whatever happens, we will remain neighbors and brothers,” Al-Sabah said.
“We will not allow anyone seeking to spread discord between Iraq and Kuwait, and we will work to stop any attempts to fuel tensions from the very beginning.” The Kuwaiti interior minister confirmed that authorities are still assessing the damage caused by the drone attack, which targeted the Abdali border crossing on Thursday. However, he stressed that the repairs would not delay reopening the crossing. “The damage is being evaluated and will be repaired as quickly as possible,” he said.
“This does not prevent the crossing from resuming operations. Traffic must continue.” According to Al-Sabah, the crossing will be reopened in time to facilitate travel for Iraqi visitors and Kuwaiti pilgrims heading to Iraq during the Arbaeen pilgrimage season. Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani welcomed the Kuwaiti delegation, describing the visit as a message of solidarity between the two countries.
“Iraq, after the fall of the previous regime, should be a country of peace and friendship for all neighboring nations,” Al-Eidani said. He acknowledged that both Iraq and Kuwait have been affected by wider regional instability despite not being direct participants in the ongoing conflict. “Sometimes mistakes happen because of irresponsible actions by individuals,” he added.
Summary from source