Baghdad, June 16 (SANA) Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi and U.S. presidential envoy Tom Barrack discussed plans to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline during talks in Baghdad, as the two sides also reviewed regional developments and security issues, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s office on Tuesday.
The discussions focused on advancing a memorandum of understanding signed with TI Capital to restore the pipeline, which would reconnect northern Iraq’s oil fields to Syria‘s Mediterranean coast. Iraqi officials described the project as an important route for oil exports and a potential driver of regional economic cooperation.
The meeting comes amid broader efforts by Iraq and Syria to expand energy cooperation. In April, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir and Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani discussed joint energy projects and the rehabilitation of oil transportation infrastructure, including the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline.
The statement said al-Zaidi and Barrack also reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting Iraq’s sovereignty, security and economic development.
The two sides reviewed the Iraqi government’s plans to combat terrorism and dismantle armed groups operating outside state authority, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the state’s monopoly on arms and strengthening control over Iraqi territory.
According to the statement, both officials stressed the need to prevent Iraq from becoming a venue for regional conflicts or a platform for actions that could threaten regional peace and security.
U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Barrack as special presidential envoy to Syria and Iraq on May 31, in addition to his role as U.S. ambassador to Türkiye.
RAH/ABD
