DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking and smuggling.
The MoU outlines joint efforts to tackle the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Iraqi News Agency reported that the agreement includes 17 key articles covering a wide range of cooperative measures such as intelligence-sharing, technical training, early warning systems, and the development of joint prevention and surveillance strategies. It also emphasized enhanced coordination at border crossings, where both countries face mounting challenges linked to cross-border smuggling.
The agreement was 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.
The signing ceremony, attended by Iraq’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Al-Suhail, comes amid increasing regional concern over the rise in drug-related crimes and their impact on public health and national security.
Iraq’s Ministry of Health said the agreement reflects "deepened bilateral ties and institutional integration" between the two countries in addressing one of the region’s most urgent transnational threats.
