Turkey and Iraq Aim to Resume Oil Pipeline Amid Diplomatic Talks
President Erdogan of Turkey and Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani discuss resuming the halted Iraq-Turkey pipeline. The pipeline operations were suspended in March 2023 following an ICC ruling demanding Turkey pay damages to Iraq. Talks have stalled over payment and contract issues, but both nations seek swift resolution.
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In a significant development for regional energy cooperation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met in Ankara to discuss the resumption of oil flows through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. Stopped since March, the pipeline's closure followed an ICC mandate requiring Turkey to compensate Iraq $1.5 billion for unauthorized oil exports.
Despite Turkey's readiness to reactivate the pipeline, negotiations hit a roadblock over unresolved payment and contractual disputes from past operations. Both leaders expressed a mutual interest in overcoming these obstacles to revive an essential energy corridor that benefits both nations.
The Ankara meeting underscores the economic and geopolitical importance of the pipeline, with Erdogan and al-Sudani standing united in their intention to forge ahead despite previous setbacks. Their discussions mark a hopeful step toward resolving the impediments holding back the pipeline's operations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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