The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani. The meeting ended with an agreement on the swift activation of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani have agreed to expedite efforts for the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline. According to a statement by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio spoke with Prime Minister Sudani over the phone. Rubio and Sudani concurred on the necessity for Iraq to achieve energy independence and swiftly work towards reopening the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline.

The two also agreed that the contractual conditions must be met for American companies operating in Iraq to attract additional investments. Sudani and Rubio committed to continuing consultations on regional issues and advancing the US-Iraq security partnership.

“REDUCING MALICIOUS IRANIAN INFLUENCE” The meeting also addressed the ongoing efforts to reduce the “malicious influence of Iran” in the region and prevent the resurgence of the terrorist organization ISIS, which could destabilize the region. Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of Syria not becoming a “haven for terrorism” and posing a threat to its neighbors. According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office, the two sides agreed to enhance communication and deepen cooperation between the US and Iraq.

OIL FLOW STOPPED IN 2023 As a result of the decision by the International Court of Arbitration in Paris regarding oil exports between Turkey and Iraq, the oil flow from Iraq to the Ceyhan Port ceased on March 25, 2023. It is estimated that the halt in oil exports to Turkey has caused Iraq economic losses exceeding 23 billion dollars.