Damascus, Syria – Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir held talks on Wednesday with Iraq’s acting ambassador in Damascus, Yassin Al-Hujaymi, focusing on the potential transfer of Iraqi oil through Syria to the Mediterranean.
According to a statement by the Iraqi Embassy on Facebook, the discussions addressed Iraq’s intention to diversify its oil export routes by utilizing Syrian territory.
The two sides also reviewed water and energy cooperation, particularly the daily water allocations for each country amid the ongoing water crisis and climate change, the embassy said.
Ambassador Al-Hujaymi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people and contributing to improving living and economic conditions in the country.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani announced on Wednesday that Iraq would resume crude oil exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan port within two days.
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Speaking at a press conference in Kirkuk, Abdul Ghani said an agreement had been reached with the Kurdistan Regional Government to restart exports. Under the deal, 80,000 barrels per day will be delivered to Iraq’s oil ministry for export through Ceyhan, while 50,000 barrels will be used for local consumption.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani said last week that Baghdad is coordinating with the Syrian government to confront shared challenges, particularly the threat posed by ISIS.
Al-Sudani warned Damascus against repeating post-2003 mistakes in Iraq, which led to years of violence and the rise of armed extremist groups.
He also called for an inclusive political process in Syria that ensures representation for all sects and communities, and reiterated Iraq’s rejection of any foreign military presence or efforts to divide Syria, while condemning Israeli incursions in the country’s south.
