The Syrian Minister of Energy and his Iraqi counterpart discuss enhancing joint cooperation in the energy sector

The Syrian Minister of Energy, Engineer Mohammad Al-Bashir, and the Iraqi Minister of Oil, Engineer Hayyan Abdul-Ghani Al-Suwad, held a bilateral meeting today in the capital, Baghdad, with the presence of the Syrian Deputy Minister of Energy for Oil Affairs, Engineer Ghiyath Diab, to discuss ways to develop cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy and oil.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership to ensure meeting mutual needs, as Minister Al-Bashir reviewed the reality of the energy sector in Syria, noting that "Syria imports about 3 million barrels of crude oil monthly in addition to local production to meet the citizens' needs for petroleum derivatives."

The discussion addressed the project to revive the oil pipeline between Iraq and Syria, where Al-Bashir indicated that "the old oil pipeline between Kirkuk and the port of Baniyas has reached the end of its lifespan and needs a comprehensive assessment," stressing the importance of connecting the lines between the two countries to enhance economic cooperation.

For his part, the Iraqi Minister of Oil expressed his country's readiness to reactivate the line, suggesting "to seek the assistance of a specialized entity to assess the current situation, including the possibility of rehabilitating the old line or constructing a new one," pointing out that "recent events in the region may affect Iraqi oil exports, making the search for alternative outlets necessary."

For his part, Engineer Ghiyath Diab clarified that "the pumping stations along the route of the line are almost destroyed and need comprehensive rehabilitation, including updating the lines, tanks, and pumps, in addition to the electrical infrastructure and civil works," indicating that "rehabilitating the old line alongside constructing a new line will achieve greater economic feasibility."

The two sides also discussed the project to lay optical cables parallel to the oil lines and connect them with Lebanon, as part of enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure between the three countries.

The two parties agreed to form joint technical and advisory teams to assess the current situation, assigning a main committee to supervise the direct coordination of the proposed projects, with Engineer Diab taking charge of following up on the file.

At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector to serve the interests of the two brotherly peoples and contribute to the stability of the region.

It is noteworthy that the Syrian Minister of Energy and his accompanying delegation arrived in Baghdad yesterday on an official visit aimed at discussing prospects for joint cooperation and reviving the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline.