Iraq premier says working to expand oil exports via Turkiye, Syria, Jordan

Iraq is working to expand oil exports through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port and develop export routes via Syria’s Baniyas and Jordan’s Aqaba ports, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Friday, Iraqi News Agency reported.

Speaking at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue conference, Zaidi said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a “major challenge” for Iraq, and that the government is taking measures to maintain economic stability.

Zaidi said Baghdad is also working to increase Iraq’s export quota through OPEC, and aims to raise oil exports to between 8 million and 10 million barrels per day within six years.

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On domestic security, the premier said all political forces agree on restricting weapons to state control, and that mechanisms are being developed for the handover of arms.

He said weapons outside state control would create an environment that discourages investment, and is therefore against the interests of Iraqis.

Zaidi also ruled out prospects of a military confrontation, saying Baghdad would not allow Iraq’s enemies to exploit any opportunity.

The two-day conference opened on Friday with the participation of officials, political figures, diplomats and academics. It focuses on regional and international issues as well as political, security and economic challenges facing the region.

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