Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Friday that combating corruption at border crossings will be a top priority, noting that these crossings represent the front of the state and its economic, security, and sovereign gateway.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Media Office stated that “Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the headquarters of the Border Ports Authority.” During his visit, Al-Zaidi, via video conference, greeted the directors and staff of the border crossings, commending their efforts and their significant role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and economy, and ensuring the safety of citizens. He emphasized that “border crossings represent the face of the state and its economic, security, and sovereign gateway.”

The Prime Minister stressed the need to expedite the completion of the Border Crossings Automation Project and put an end to attempts at fraud, corruption, and manipulation. He directed that all border crossings be connected through a secure electronic system, that a comprehensive daily report on operations and revenues be submitted, and that leading international practices in border crossing management be utilized.

Additionally, the Prime Minister directed that the border crossings become self-financing, with tax and customs duties deducted at the outset and prior to financial transfers. He also called for the collection of service fees to be allocated for the rehabilitation and development of border crossings.

Al-Zaidi affirmed that combating corruption at border crossings will be a top priority and that the next phase will witness unprecedented and decisive measures in this regard. He stressed that the smuggling of narcotics and drugs, attempts to circumvent the competent authorities, and other forms of smuggling constitute serious crimes that target society and claim the lives of Iraqis, and that there will be no leniency toward those responsible.

Head of the Border Ports Authority Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli reviewed the Development Road Project and its significance following the signing of the agreement with the Turkish side to commence its implementation. He outlined the project’s rail and road routes, the potential for connecting it through Syria and Saudi Arabia, as well as its connection points with Iraqi governorates.

Mr. Al-Waeli also reviewed efforts to develop the operations of the border crossings, foremost among them the activation of a secure electronic transit system, integration with the ASYCUDA system, addressing unofficial border crossings, regulating financial transfers, combating narcotics smuggling, reviewing customs exemptions, and combating the falsification of tax receipts.

The Head of the Border Ports Authority also briefed the Prime Minister on the increase in customs revenues during the current year following the adoption of a secure electronic mechanism to regulate truck movements, as well as the rehabilitation of a number of border crossings to improve the level of services provided and strengthen their capacity to protect the national economy.