Washington, July 18 (SANA) Syria has signed two memoranda of understanding with Iraq and an international consortium of companies to rehabilitate and revive the Kirkuk–Baniyas crude oil pipeline during meetings held in the United States.
The agreements mark a strategic step toward restoring one of the region’s most important oil transport links and strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.
Youssef Qablawi, chief executive of the Syrian Petroleum Company, signed the first memorandum on behalf of the Syrian government with Basim Abdul Karim Nasser, chief executive of the Basra Oil Company, representing the Iraqi side.
The agreement, which covers the rehabilitation of the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, was signed in the presence of the Iraqi prime minister, the U.S. energy secretary, and several senior officials.
The move is aimed at supporting infrastructure development and opening new opportunities for investment and economic integration between Syria and Iraq.
Qablawi also signed a second memorandum with an international consortium comprising Chevron, UCC Holding, and TI Capital.
Under the agreement, the consortium will begin preparing technical and financial studies and establish an implementation framework for the project, including the rehabilitation of the pipeline and its associated facilities in accordance with the highest technical standards.
The studies are intended to pave the way for implementation while promoting international partnerships and high-value investment in Syria’s oil and gas sector.
The two memoranda are part of the Syrian Petroleum Company’s strategy to develop major infrastructure projects and strengthen Syria’s position as a regional energy transit hub, supporting energy security and economic development.
Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir said on X that the agreement with Iraq to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline represented a strategic step toward restarting one of the region’s most important oil transport routes.
He said the project would reinforce Syria’s position as a regional energy corridor linking the region’s resources to the Mediterranean.
Al-Bashir added that the initiative would open new prospects for cooperation and investment and strengthen Syria’s role in the regional energy system.
MHD
