HOLY GATHERING

The goods element of Iranian imports to Iraq was about $6 billion (R87 billion) for the 12 months ending March 2018, about 15% of Iraq’s total imports for 2017.

There are also energy contracts between the two countries contributing to a volume of trade of $12 billion last year.

The officials said they were asking each ministry to put together a list of imports that were essential for Iraq’s economy. Those items would make up the request for exemptions. – Reuters

Picture:EPA-EFE An aerial view of Mount Arafat, where Muslim worshippers gather during the Hajj pilgrimage, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. About 2.5 million Muslims are expected to attend.