Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign agreement to counter drug smuggling
On August 6-7, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh, aiming to strengthen cooperation in combating the illicit trade of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors. The agreement, comprising 17 key articles, outlines frameworks for intelligence sharing, technical training, early warning systems, joint prevention and surveillance strategies, and enhanced coordination at border crossings, among other measures [1][2][3][4][5].
The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including 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 agreement reflects deepened bilateral ties and institutional integration between the two countries in addressing drug-related issues [6][7].
The MoU also emphasizes the need for cooperation with judicial authorities to enforce anti-trafficking laws and the expansion of public awareness campaigns on drug risks. It is a response to the increasing regional concern over the rise in drug-related crimes, which pose one of the region's most urgent transnational threats [8].
Notably, the agreement does not involve any international organizations or countries beyond Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Additionally, it does not provide details on the timeline for its implementation or the potential financial implications of the cooperative measures [9][10].
During the same visit, the two countries also signed a separate MoU to advance healthcare cooperation, seeking to adapt Saudi Arabia’s successful health models in Iraq [1]. The agreement is a testament to the growing collaboration between the two countries and their commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges, such as those linked to cross-border smuggling and the impact of drug-related crimes on public health and national security.
[1] Iraqi News Agency [2] Saudi Press Agency [3] Al Arabiya [4] Asharq Al-Awsat [5] Kuwait News Agency [6] Gulf News [7] Arab News [8] Middle East Eye [9] Reuters [10] Al Jazeera
- The Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Iraqi Minister of Health have shown a shared interest in the arts, as evidenced by their separate MoU to advance healthcare cooperation, adapting Saudi Arabia’s successful health models in Iraq.
- On a broader scale, the general-news landscape in Arabia is frequently dominated by political discussions, yet the crime and justice sector is rapidly gaining attention, with this latest MoU addressing the need for cooperation with judicial authorities to enforce anti-trafficking laws.
- In addition to the recent MoU focused on combating the illicit trade of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, Saudi Arabia and Iraq have also expressed their commitment to various health initiatives, indicating a concerted effort towards improving overall population well-being within the region.
- Despite the intentional exclusion of international organizations or countries beyond Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the drug-related MoU, the agreement's emphasis on regional cooperation suggests a desire for a unified front in addressing pressing concerns like drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.
