https://arab.news/4xr46
- Pumping stations along route largely destroyed, need restoration
- Discussions included plans for laying optical cables alongside pipelines, connecting them to Lebanon
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic’s Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir on Tuesday discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani.
Al-Bashir stressed Syria’s need for oil imports, and proposed linking pipelines between the two countries, noting that the Kirkuk-Baniyas line was no longer functional.
Iraq’s deputy prime minister spoke of his country’s interest in reactivating the 850 km pipeline and suggested evaluating whether to repair it or build a new one due to regional events affecting oil exports, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
Pumping stations along the Kirkuk–Baniyas route are largely destroyed and need full restoration, the SANA added.
Discussions in Baghdad also included plans for laying optical cables alongside the oil pipelines and connecting them to Lebanon. Both parties agreed to establish joint technical teams and a primary coordination committee.
Syrian Deputy Energy Minister Ghiyath Diab also attended the meeting.