Najaf governor says Iraq working on border crossing with Saudi Arabia

NAJAF, Iraq — Najaf Governor Yusuf Kinavi said the Iraqi government is pursuing a border crossing with Saudi Arabia, with approval secured from the prime minister and Saudi sign-off still pending. Speaking to local media, Kinavi said the project would expand the province's revenue base once completed. Kinavi also said Najaf International Airport is expected to receive its license from the Civil Aviation Authority next week, adding that 74 registered violations at the facility have been resolved. He said three oil fields lie within the province, including the Karnain field, where two wells have been opened and where gas potential has been identified. On environmental cooperation, the governor said an Italian delegation is expected to visit Najaf to discuss waste recycling and environmental projects. He said ongoing projects in the province are being financed through food security allocations. No further details on the timeline for the border crossing or the Italian delegation's visit were immediately available.