ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Baghdad has launched a pilot bus route from Iraq to Armenia via Iran, marking another example of its opening up to its neighbors as security improves.
Following the route’s debut on Saturday, the Ministry of Transportation announced it the line to allow Iraq to “develop international transportation and open up to neighboring and regional countries”.
The pilot program was organized by Iraq’s public transportation company, a sub-branch of the Ministry of Transportation, and left from Baghdad early Saturday morning.
The ministry did not specify what stops the bus would makes after its departure from Baghdad.
With ongoing tensions between Turkey and Armenia and the border between the two remaining closed, the bus lines passes through Iran.
“Detailed plans have been put in place to make this line succeed and use it to serve Iraq in the different sectors of economy, trade, and tourism,” Abdullah al-Luaibi Bahis, head of the public transportation company, said in the statement.
A trilateral meeting between Iraq, Iran and Armenia is scheduled to take place at the end of June, to discuss and mitigate any issues that could obstruct the bus route from running smoothly.
An official from the Iraq’s Transportation Ministry told Rudaw English that the pilot program might eventually “pave the road” for a permanent bus route.
Omed Mohammed Saleh, spokesperson for KRG's Ministry of Transportation and Communication, told Rudaw that they weren’t aware of the new travel line and hadn't been notified by Baghdad.
This new development reflects Iraq’s attempt to reclaim a leadership role in the Middle East, after being embroiled in decades of conflict.
Amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, Iraq is attempting to maintain a balance with the two, given its strong ties with both countries.
Iraqi leaders have said that they do not want be affected by the tensions, urging the US and Iran to come an agreement.
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