Iraq, Syria discuss oil exports via Baniyas pipeline with capacity of 2M barrels per day

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa discussed Wednesday exporting Iraqi oil through the Baniyas pipeline, and efforts to strengthen economic and security cooperation, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s media office, Anadolu reports.

The discussions took place during expanded talks between delegations from both countries in Damascus.

The talks addressed “exporting Iraqi oil through the Baniyas pipeline with an export capacity of up to 2 million barrels per day,” as well as increasing trade, it said, but provided no details on the project’s technical requirements, financing or implementation timeline.

The two sides also discussed joint efforts to develop the agricultural sector to achieve greater food and economic integration.

Zaidi described Iraqis and Syrians as “one people in two countries,” stressing the importance of expanding cooperation in various fields, particularly economic and social relations.

He also urged strengthening security cooperation, coordinating positions on regional and international issues, and promoting peace and stability in the region.

Sharaa welcomed Zaidi’s visit and reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to strengthening relations and achieving the highest levels of cooperation between the two countries.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed Al-Zaidi, who headed a high-level delegation, on arrival at Damascus International Airport, both the Iraqi News Agency (INA) and the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

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Citing al-Zaidi’s office, INA said talks were expected to address bilateral ties, without providing further details.

Earlier, local media said talks were also expected to address border security and counter-terrorism efforts.

On Tuesday, Sharaa said the border between the countries is “completely” secure, adding that Damascus and Baghdad are already coordinating on several issues.

Damascus and Baghdad signed a memorandum of understanding in July to rehabilitate an oil pipeline extending from Haditha in western Iraq to the Syrian Mediterranean port of Baniyas, with US energy company Chevron expected to implement the project.

Earlier that month, the Iraqi government approved technical and financial studies for two proposed oil export routes: Basra-Haditha-Baniyas through Syria and Basra-Haditha-Kirkuk-Ceyhan through Turkiye, as part of efforts to develop alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit comes amid efforts by both countries to strengthen ties following the establishment of a Sharaa-led administration in Syria in January 2025.

The two leaders met in New York in September on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, where they discussed political and security coordination and expanding economic and trade cooperation.

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