IRNA � Bank Melli Iran (BMI) for the first time opened a branch in Iraq�s holy city of Najaf on Sunday on a probationary basis.


The BMI�s branch in Najaf, central-south of Iraq, will solve one of the major problems of the Iranian pilgrims who visit Najaf which is how to transfer and change money during their visit to the city's holy sites, including the holy shrine of Imam Al (AS), the first Imam of the Shia Muslims.

Iran�s Chief Consul Abderrahim Sadatifar and a number of the Iranian tradesmen in Iraq attended the inauguration ceremony for the Iranian bank in Najaf.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian diplomat discussed coordination on Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremony in a meeting with Governor General of Najaf Luay al-Yaseri.

During the meeting, the two officials shared views on planning for holding Arbaeen ceremony in the best manner and setting up a committee of coordination between the governorate general and chief consulate.

Arbaeen is a Shia Muslim religious observance that occurs forty days after the Day of Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the third Imam of Shia Muslims.

Each year, millions of devoted Muslims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located.

Imam Hussein (AS), was martyred in the plain of Karbala in the year 61 AH of the Islamic calendar.