Iraq studies reviving oil pipeline across Syria to the Mediterranean
Under the supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the visit is part of Baghdad's endeavors to bolster its regional ties and revive one of its ancient export pathways to achieve its economic goals.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Hamid Al-Shatri, the chief of the National Intelligence Service, leads the delegation, which also includes officials from the Border Ports Authority and the Ministries of Trade, Oil, and Interior.
In addition to cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism and border security, the two sides are discussing the resumption of oil flows through the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, which connects Iraq to the Mediterranean coast through Syria.
Among the oldest oil export lines in the Middle East is the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which connects Iraq and Syria.
Built in 1952, the 800-kilometer pipeline has a daily pumping capacity of up to 300,000 barrels. Due to regional political and security challenges, its operations have been regularly stopped throughout the years.
Reviving the oil pipeline has reportedly become one of the country's strategic priorities, particularly after Iraq's exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan were suspended for two years. According to reports, Baghdad urgently needs safer and more sustainable alternatives.
While the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline gives Baghdad an important outlet on the Mediterranean, there are still many technical and security obstacles to overcome. These obstacles include the pipeline's deteriorating infrastructure caused by sabotage during years of Syrian conflict, as well as the enormous expenses for its restoration, which are expected to be above $8 billion.
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