US and Iraq agree to reopen Iraq-Turkiye pipeline, says US State Department

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani agreed during a call yesterday to work “quickly” to reopen the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline, the State Department in Washington has confirmed.

“The two agreed on the need for Iraq to become energy independent, to quickly reopen the Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline, and to honour contractual terms for US companies working in Iraq to attract additional investment,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

In March 2023, Iraq stopped sending oil through the pipeline after winning an arbitration case against Turkiye, Anadolu has reported.

Rubio and Al-Sudani discussed the US-Iraq strategic partnership and the importance of Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, as well as reducing Iran’s influence and the fight against ISIS/Daesh, Bruce added.

During the call, Rubio also “reaffirmed the importance of Syria not becoming a haven for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbours.”

A statement from Al-Sudani’s office said the two officials agreed to enhance communication and deepen cooperation between their countries. They also reviewed progress in joint efforts across various sectors.

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