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Iraq Business
25-04-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq to discuss Rehabilitation of Oil Pipeline through Syria
By John Lee. The Iraqi National Intelligence Service has led an official delegation to Damascus under the direction of Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani. The delegation, headed by Mr. Hamid Al-Shatri, President of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa' and other senior Syrian officials. The delegation includes representatives from the Border Forces Command (Ministry of Interior), the Ministries of Oil and Trade, and the Border Crossings Authority. Discussions in Damascus will cover: Strengthening joint counterterrorism cooperation. Securing the Iraq-Syria border against breaches and threats. Expanding bilateral trade exchanges for mutual benefit. Exploring the rehabilitation of the Iraqi oil pipeline running through Syria to the Mediterranean. The meetings will also reaffirm Iraq's support for Syria's sovereignty and unity, highlighting the interdependence of Syrian stability and Iraqi national security. The pipeline from Kirkuk to the Syrian port of Baniyas [Banias] has not been operational since 2003. An initial agreement was reached in 2010 to build two new pipelines, one for lighter crude, and one for heavier, with further details announced in 2011, but this was not implemented. According to an article from Iraq Business News (IBN) expert blogger Ahmed Mousa Jiyad , the Syrian pipeline has several advantages, but also many risks. (Source: PMO)
Rudaw Net
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iraqi delegation visits Syria for border security, trade talks
Also in Middle East Lebanese president calls Iraq's Sudani after PMF row Iraqi PM Sudani, Syria's Sharaa hold first meeting: Iraqi state media Erdogan officially invites Sudani to Turkey Iran warns of Syria instability amid Israeli attacks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An Iraqi government delegation traveled to Damascus on Friday for discussions on border security and trade. The trip comes amid reports an Iraqi national was killed in Syria and ahead of an Arab League summit in Baghdad that Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has controversially been invited to attend. The delegation is led by the head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and includes officials from the border forces command and border ports authority, as well as representatives from the ministries of oil and trade, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. They are scheduled to meet with Sharaa for discussions on 'counterterrorism cooperation and strengthening arrangements to secure the shared border against potential breaches or threats, expanding trade opportunities… and studying the possibility of rehabilitating the Iraqi oil pipeline through Syrian territory to ports on the Mediterranean Sea,' the statement said. The Iraqi government has a strained relationship with the new authorities in Damascus. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's decision to invite Sharaa to attend the Arab League summit in Baghdad next month has sparked a backlash from his governing allies critical of Sharaa's jihadist roots. A group of parliamentarians have petitioned to block the invite and key figures have called for Sharaa to be arrested if he enters Iraq. On Friday, Iraq's Foreign Ministry said it was closely following the case of an Iraqi national reportedly murdered in Syria, saying it 'attaches utmost importance to this file.'
Iraqi News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
An official Iraqi delegation arrives in Damascus
An official Iraqi government delegation arrived on Friday, in the Syrian capital Damascus under the guidance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shi'a Al-Sudani. Media Office of the Prime Minister said in an official statement obtained by the Iraqi news agency INA: 'Under the direction of Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, an official Iraqi government delegation arrived today in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The delegation is headed by the President of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Mr. Hamid Al-Shatri, and is scheduled to meet with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa', along with several senior Syrian government officials' The statement read 'The delegation includes officials from the Border Forces Command of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministries of Oil and Trade, and the Border Crossings Authority.' It further said that 'The Iraqi delegation will discuss with the Syrian side matters related to counterterrorism cooperation and the strengthening of joint arrangements to secure the shared border against potential breaches or threats. The talks will also address expanding trade exchange in ways that benefit the interests of both brotherly peoples, and exploring the possibility of rehabilitating the Iraqi oil pipeline that runs through Syrian territory to the ports of the Mediterranean Sea.' The statement also added that 'The meetings in Damascus will reaffirm Iraq's support for Syria's unity and sovereignty, and underscore that Syria's stability is essential to Iraq's national security and to the security of the broader region.'
Shafaq News
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Saladin: Senior ISIS figure among four captured
Shafaq News/ Iraqi forces have captured four ISIS members in Saladin province, including a senior figure, a day after launching several raids in the area. In a statement on Monday, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) said the four militants—one of whom served as the so-called "Shari'a Wali (governor)" of the Sulaiman Bek sector—confessed during interrogation to carrying out attacks against security forces and participating in a previous terrorist assault on the Duluiya district. They have been referred to the relevant judicial authorities to face justice.
Shafaq News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's former PM Al-Kadhimi breaks silence on return
Shafaq News/ Iraq's former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said his recent return to the country after stepping down in 2022 marks the beginning of a new phase of political engagement while outlining conditions for any future participation in parliamentary elections and warning of political polarization. In remarks published Tuesday in an interview with Al-Majalla magazine, Al-Kadhimi said he left Iraq after the end of his term to recuperate from years of public service, which included leading the Iraqi National Intelligence Service before assuming the premiership in 2020. "Some described it as a warrior's rest — and that's partially true," Al-Kadhimi said. 'It was a period of reflection, observation, and writing — but also of preparing ideas and strategies in response to the rapid transformations in the region and the world.' Al-Kadhimi said he was motivated to return by accelerating regional developments, which he believes require 'constructive ideas and a return to rational dialogue, away from reckless adventures.' He emphasized Iraq's Arab identity, stating that Baghdad must remain aligned with the broader Arab consensus and 'cannot replace its strategic depth.' While refraining from confirming whether he will run in Iraq's upcoming elections, Al-Kadhimi outlined two key conditions for participation, the first is a credible electoral process with the highest degree of transparency, referencing past concerns over manipulation and mobilization since Iraq's first post-2003 election. The second is a call for shared national responsibility, urging all political actors—inside and outside government—to prioritize the country's stability regardless of political alignment. 'Our options remain open,' he said, noting ongoing dialogue with various political forces that share his vision for reform and moderation. On foreign relations, Al-Kadhimi strongly defended Iraq's strategic partnership with the United States, describing it as vital to the country's development and institutional progress. 'Unfortunately, some figures promote populist slogans about severing ties with Washington, while privately seeking US approval and connections,' he said, warning against what he termed 'hypocrisy mixed with ignorance.' Al-Kadhimi also stressed the need for Iraq to play a mediating role amid rising US-Iran tensions, saying Baghdad should serve as a 'bridge for dialogue' not only between Washington and Tehran, but also among Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. "Iraq is uniquely positioned—geographically and historically—to help reduce regional polarization," he said, calling for a balanced foreign policy grounded in national interests, regional integration, and security priorities.
