The Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, stated that the potential restart of the oil pipeline between Kirkuk in Iraq and Baniyas in Syria does not pose a threat to Turkey's economy. He highlighted Syria's need for
substantial investments and emphasized that Ankara does not view the pipeline's operation as a threat to its economic interests. The minister added that cooperation in the energy and mining sectors could contribute to enhancing peace, prosperity, and stability in Syria
and the region. He also mentioned the possibility of joint offshore exploration projects with Syria in the future, depending on economic feasibility and geological conditions. It is noted that Iraq and Syria signed a memorandum of understanding on July 17
under US sponsorship to restart the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, enabling Iraqi oil to be transported to Mediterranean ports through Syrian territory. This agreement is part of Iraq's efforts to diversify its oil export outlets, strengthen economic cooperation with Syria, and open
additional routes for marketing Iraqi crude.
