U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani have agreed to work swiftly on reopening the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, aiming for Iraq to become energy independent. The conversation also covered the impact of halted oil exports since March 2023, economic losses, and the importance of regional stability and cooperation.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a discussion on Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, wherein they agreed to expedite the reopening of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline. The agreement underscores the necessity for Iraq to achieve energy independence while adhering to contractual obligations with American companies to attract further investment, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The halt of oil shipments from Iraq to the Ceyhan Port, which occurred on March 25, 2023, resulted from a ruling by the International Court of Arbitration in Paris concerning oil exports between Türkiye and Iraq. It has been reported that this interruption has inflicted over 23 billion dollars in economic losses on Iraq.
During their conversation, Mr. Rubio and Mr. al-Sudani also deliberated on the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership, emphasizing Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. The discussion included strategies for diminishing Iran’s influence in the region and combatting the threats posed by ISIL (Daesh). Moreover, Mr. Rubio reiterated the significance of ensuring that Syria does not serve as a haven for terrorism or a threat to neighboring nations.
Additionally, a statement from Prime Minister al-Sudani’s office indicated that both officials agreed to enhance communication and strengthen the cooperative efforts between their nations. They reviewed the advancements made in various joint initiatives across multiple sectors.
In summary, the conversation between Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister al-Sudani highlights a mutual commitment to reopening the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline and enhancing Iraq’s energy independence. The discussions also focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, promoting regional stability, and countering terrorism. These initiatives are crucial for Iraq’s economic recovery and sovereignty in the face of external influences.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
