Baghdad, Erbil Review Border Security and Smuggling Controls
Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim Aboudi and KRG Interior Minister Reber Ahmed lead federal and Kurdistan Region delegations reviewing border control, infiltration, smuggling and steps already taken under the security agreement.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Senior officials from the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government met in Erbil on Saturday to review implementation of a joint security agreement between Iraq and Iran, with particular attention to border control, smuggling and preventing infiltration.
The meeting brought together a federal delegation led by Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Aboudi and a Kurdistan Region delegation headed by Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed, according to a statement from the Office of the National Security Advisor.
The talks came as Baghdad and Erbil seek closer coordination over security arrangements along Iraq's borders and the implementation of commitments designed to protect the country's sovereignty and stability.
Border Security at the Center
According to the statement, the committee examined the provisions of the security agreement and reviewed the measures that have already been implemented.
Discussions focused particularly on border control, preventing infiltration and smuggling, and maintaining security and stability across Iraq.
The two delegations also assessed remaining requirements and stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication and joint coordination between the federal government and the KRG.
The meeting was held under directives from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, with officials emphasizing that implementation should serve Iraq's national interests and territorial sovereignty.
Aboudi's First Erbil Visit
The meeting followed Aboudi's arrival in Erbil earlier Saturday at the head of a high-level security delegation.
He was received at Erbil International Airport by Rebar Ahmed and was scheduled to meet with senior Kurdistan Region officials during his visit.
The discussions come amid heightened regional security concerns and recent attacks targeting Erbil, adding greater urgency to coordination between federal and regional security institutions.
For the Kurdistan Region, border security has remained a particularly sensitive issue given its frontier with Iran and the presence of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in areas near the border.
Coordination Between Baghdad and Erbil
The latest meeting underscores continuing efforts to coordinate federal and regional security policies rather than relying on separate arrangements.
Officials have repeatedly stressed that the Kurdistan Region should not be used as a platform for threats against neighboring states, while also calling for guarantees that its territory and population will not be targeted.
The committee's review of the agreement therefore carries significance beyond the immediate border measures. It also reflects Baghdad and Erbil's broader effort to strengthen cooperation on intelligence, border management and the prevention of illicit activity.
The two sides are expected to continue working through the agreement's remaining provisions as part of efforts to reinforce security along Iraq's frontiers and prevent cross-border threats.