Iraq and Syria Discuss Restoring Oil Pipeline Disabled by US

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani discussed plans to restore the oil pipeline connecting the two countries, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The meeting in Damascus was also attended by Iraqi Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir. The meeting also discussed mechanisms for energy supply and transit, the rehabilitation project for the oil pipeline from Iraq to Syria, and cooperation in water resources and agriculture, which will contribute to enhancing joint food security, economic integration, and the common interests of both countries, the ministry said in a statement. The two ministers also agreed to form a joint committee to ensure follow-up on the implementation of bilateral cooperation outcomes and to coordinate efforts in various fields. Additionally, the two sides discussed steps to strengthen security cooperation. On the same day, Hussein was also received by Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa. The talks focused on the latest developments in the region and efforts to strengthen cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus. The Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, approximately 880 kilometres long, was built in the 1950s. It previously transported up to 300,000 barrels of oil per day from oil fields in northern Iraq to a refinery in the city of Homs, Syria, before being forwarded to a terminal at the Mediterranean port of Baniyas. By the end of the 20th century, the pipeline had been out of operation for nearly 20 years. Operations were restored in 2000, but it was disabled again following US bombing in 2003.