U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani have agreed to expedite the reopening of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, which has been inactive since March 2023 due to a court ruling. The situation has led to substantial economic damages for Iraq. They also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional security concerns, including the influence of Iran and terrorism in Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani conducted a call on Tuesday to prioritize the reopening of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline. The State Department emphasized the need for Iraq to pursue energy independence and to expedite the reopening process while honoring existing contracts with U.S. companies to encourage further investment.
The Iraq-Türkiye pipeline has been inactive since March 25, 2023, following a ruling by the International Court of Arbitration regarding oil exports between the two countries. This halt in oil shipments has reportedly inflicted over $23 billion in economic damage to Iraq, showcasing the significant impact of this pipeline’s closure on the country’s economy.
Rubio and Al-Sudani also addressed the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership, focusing on the stability and sovereignty of Iraq, as well as the necessity of reducing Iranian influence and combating the terrorist group ISIL (Daesh). Rubio reiterated the importance of preventing Syria from serving as a sanctuary for terrorism, which poses threats to regional stability.
Additionally, both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing communication and cooperation between Iraq and the U.S., reviewing progress in collaborative efforts across multiple sectors. This commitment aims to foster development and stability within Iraq and strengthen bilateral relations.
The call between Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Al-Sudani marks a significant step toward reopening the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, a move crucial for Iraq’s economic recovery. The discussions underscored the importance of U.S.-Iraq relations, addressing both energy independence and regional security challenges. The re-establishment of oil exports could potentially mitigate the financial losses experienced by Iraq and reinforce strategic partnerships.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
