RIYADH: The commercial operation of the Arar border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq will begin on Oct.15 on a trial basis, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Iraq Abdul Aziz Al-Shammari said Thursday. Al-Shammari and Iraq’s ambassador to the Kingdom Qahtan Al-Janabi inspected the border crossing which will also be used by Hajj and Umrah pilgrims throughout the year. Al-Shammari said that the opening of the crossing “will be a qualitative leap in strengthening Saudi-Iraqi relations,” and will increase trade between the two countries. The border had been closed since 1990 when relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq deteriorated following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. The Saudi town of Arar is 70 kilometers from the Iraqi border.