Latest news with #SyrianTransitionalGovernment
Shafaq News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Syria on Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline revival: Not a Priority
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, the Syrian Transitional Government revealed that it has not held talks with Iraq about oil imports or the revival of a long-dormant pipeline. 'There are no negotiations with Iraq or Saudi Arabia to import oil,' Ahmed Suleiman, Director of Public Relations at Syria's Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, told the Washington-based Energy Platform, adding that Syria procures crude oil through tender announcements to secure the most reliable supplies. Suleiman also affirmed that the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which connects Iraq's Kirkuk oil fields to Syria's Baniyas port, remains inactive and is not currently a priority for either government. Inaugurated in 1952, the 800-kilometer pipeline, which has a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day, requires extensive rehabilitation, particularly on the Syrian side, where the country's energy infrastructure has suffered significant damage since the war erupted in 2011. It operated sporadically before being shut down in 2010 after sustaining severe damage from attacks by the Global Coalition in Iraq and Syria.
Shafaq News
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
From Erbil to Munich: President Barzani's active diplomatic engagement at MSC2025
Shafaq News/ The Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani's sixth participation in the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025) marked a paramount moment for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as the president held extensive meetings with global leaders and senior officials, discussing pressing regional and international issues. Representing both Baghdad and Erbil, he emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to regional peace, counterterrorism, and economic development. According to observers, President Barzani's participation in MSC2025, along with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, reinforced the Region's strategic importance in regional and global affairs. Through high-level diplomatic engagements, he positioned Kurdistan as a key partner in addressing security challenges, fostering economic growth, and enhancing international cooperation. Stronger Ties with Baghdad Barzani's Participation was not limited to Kurdish issues but also extended to enhancing Iraq's image. He stated in various meetings that the situation in Iraq is "good," with new construction projects underway. He also expressed optimism that the country would not experience major crises affecting its people, 'who deserve a better quality of life.' Barzani praised the improvement in Erbil-Baghdad relations, thanking Al-Sudani for his mediation efforts and emphasizing cooperation as key to mutual interests. Syrian Crisis and Regional Stability During a press conference held on the sidelines of the conference, President Barzani revealed that the Syrian issue was one of the main topics in all the meetings. "What is happening in Syria is encouraging in terms of the fall of an authoritarian regime, and we hope the current authorities will include all components of Syria." Barzani expressed his longing for the cities of Qamishli and Damascus, wishing to visit them someday, as well as Aleppo and Afrin. In a key meeting with Syrian Transitional Government Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, he stressed the importance of 'safeguarding the rights of all Syrian communities, including Kurds,' highlighting the need for an inclusive governance framework and reiterating his call for a peaceful transition in Syria. He called for 'a political model acceptable to all Syrian parties, one that reflects a pluralistic vision that accommodates the unique characteristics of each country.' Strengthening US-Kurdistan Relations President Barzani also met with key US officials seeking to deepen strategic ties in security and defense amid ongoing regional challenges. The US officials included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen, to discuss enhanced security and military cooperation. He extended an invitation to Rubio to attend the inauguration of the new US Consulate in Erbil. In turn, Washington reaffirmed, through its officials, its commitment to supporting the Peshmerga forces and broader security coordination. 'The new US administration views matters differently, with President Trump focusing on ending wars and establishing peace in the region, which aligns with the current needs of the world.' Barzani reaffirmed in his meetings. Regional Cooperation: Turkiye and Arab world In a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Barzani emphasized Kurdistan's commitment to continued security cooperation with Ankara. He referred to Fidan as his "friend" and emphasized the mutual interests driving this partnership. In addition, the Kurdish President met top Arab officials including Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani. Talks centered on deepening political and economic ties, as well as regional security challenges. In a separate meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Barzani discussed Iraq's political situation and Middle East developments, with a focus on Syria. 'Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace and stability in Syria, while also addressing the Kurdish situation and other communities in the new Syria.' European Partnerships Barzani engaged with key German leaders, including Boris Pistorius, Defense Minister, Niels Schmid, spokesperson for foreign affairs in the Social Democratic Party (SPD); Andreas Schwarz, a member of the Defense Committee; Metin Hakverdi, a member of the Budget Committee; and Niels Annen, Minister of State at the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. He also met with Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, Hans-Georg Engelke. President Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's appreciation for the 'continuous' German support and assistance, emphasizing the importance of its continuation to enhance stability in the Region and Iraq. In turn, the German officials reiterated the country's commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region, stating that strengthening cooperation between Germany, Iraq, and Kurdistan is essential in the context of international efforts to combat terrorism. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Barzani's discussions focused on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and the Kurdistan Region's role in stabilizing Iraq. Lammy reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing regional security and economic challenges, assuring that the UK would continue to support the Kurdistan Region. In his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Barzani expressed gratitude for France's ongoing support, particularly in the fight against terrorism and efforts to secure stability in the region. He also met Estonian President Alar Karisand, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. NATO and EU Commission In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Barzani reaffirmed the importance of NATO support for the Peshmerga forces to preserve regional stability. Stoltenberg also emphasized the shared commitment of NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region to combating terrorism. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in combating terrorism and boosting the capabilities of security forces. He also held discussions with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who praised the Kurdistan Region's stance on the Syrian issue and highlighted the bravery of the Peshmerga in combating ISIS. Expanding Ties with Iran President Barzani did not meet with Iranian officials, however, he described, in an interview, his latest engagements with Iranian officials as marking a "new phase" in Kurdistan-Iran relations. During an interview with ISNA on the sidelines of the Conference, he acknowledged progress in implementing a security agreement between Iraq and Iran, aimed at stabilizing border areas and preventing security threats. Barzani also highlighted Kurdistan's significant role in the Iraq-Iran trade, which exceeds $10 billion annually.
Shafaq News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Syrian FM to visit Baghdad soon
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Syrian Transitional Government Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, announced that he would visit Baghdad soon. Al-Shibani revealed the planned visit at a panel during the 2025 World Government Summit in Abu Dhabi, confirming he had received an official invitation to visit Baghdad. Since the fall of President Bashar Al-Assad's regime, diplomatic ties between Baghdad and Damascus have largely been frozen, with no senior-level meetings or visits recorded. The only notable exception was the trip of Iraqi intelligence chief Hamid Al-Shatri to Damascus. Iraq has yet to take an official stance on Syria's political transition and has not formally acknowledged Ahmad Al-Sharaa's appointment as transitional leader, saying it is closely monitoring developments before making a decision.
Emirates 24/7
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
Abdullah bin Zayed, Syrian FM discuss enhancing relations
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received today Asaad al-Shibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Transitional Government, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. The UAE Top Diplomat welcomed al-Shibani and the accompanying delegation during the meeting which discussed strengthening the long-standing relations between the two countries and their peoples, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest. The discussions also covered the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, along with current regional developments. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's firm stance in supporting Syria's independence and sovereignty over its entire territories, standing by the Syrian people, and backing all efforts aimed at fulfilling their aspirations for lasting security, stability, and a dignified life. Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of advancing the path of reconstruction and development in Syria, and ensuring all necessary factors for security and stability to secure a promising future filled with opportunities for prosperity and well-being for its people. The two sides also discussed a range of issues related to the WGS 2025 and explored ways to leverage the event for strengthened international cooperation and support of the Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting was attended by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, Hassan Ahmad Al Shehhi, the UAE Ambassador to Syria, and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
