Syrian and Iraqi Energy Ministers Discuss Revitalization of Kirkuk–Baniyas Oil Pipeline
Officials from Syria and Iraq explore possibilities to strengthen energy cooperation through the reactivation or construction of a strategic oil pipeline.
In a significant development for regional energy cooperation, Syrian Arab Republic’s Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir engaged in discussions with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani regarding the revitalization of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, underscored the mutual interest of both nations to enhance bilateral energy ties, particularly through the re-establishment of this critical infrastructure.Al-Bashir highlighted Syria’s dependency on oil imports and proposed the establishment of interconnected pipelines between the two countries, emphasizing that the current Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline is non-operational.
His counterpart from Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, expressed enthusiasm for reactivating the 850 km pipeline, considering regional challenges affecting oil exports.
The conversation touched upon the feasibility of either repairing the existing infrastructure or constructing a new pipeline due to the deteriorated state of pumping stations along the route.The discussions also encompassed plans to integrate optical cables into the pipeline system and extend connectivity to Lebanon.
Both parties agreed on establishing joint technical teams and a primary coordination committee to oversee these initiatives.
The presence of Syrian Deputy Energy Minister Ghiyath Diab during the meeting further solidified cooperation between the two nations.This development holds considerable implications for both Syria and Iraq, as well as the broader Middle Eastern energy landscape.
Revitalizing the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline could not only address Syria’s oil import needs but also enhance regional stability by facilitating energy trade.
As negotiations progress, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these plans unfold, potentially setting a precedent for future collaborative projects.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, underscored the mutual interest of both nations to enhance bilateral energy ties, particularly through the re-establishment of this critical infrastructure.Al-Bashir highlighted Syria’s dependency on oil imports and proposed the establishment of interconnected pipelines between the two countries, emphasizing that the current Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline is non-operational.
His counterpart from Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, expressed enthusiasm for reactivating the 850 km pipeline, considering regional challenges affecting oil exports.
The conversation touched upon the feasibility of either repairing the existing infrastructure or constructing a new pipeline due to the deteriorated state of pumping stations along the route.The discussions also encompassed plans to integrate optical cables into the pipeline system and extend connectivity to Lebanon.
Both parties agreed on establishing joint technical teams and a primary coordination committee to oversee these initiatives.
The presence of Syrian Deputy Energy Minister Ghiyath Diab during the meeting further solidified cooperation between the two nations.This development holds considerable implications for both Syria and Iraq, as well as the broader Middle Eastern energy landscape.
Revitalizing the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline could not only address Syria’s oil import needs but also enhance regional stability by facilitating energy trade.
As negotiations progress, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these plans unfold, potentially setting a precedent for future collaborative projects.
