(MENAFN) Iraq’s Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani met on Tuesday in Baghdad with Syrian energy minister Mohammed al-Bashir to discuss expanding cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, according to the Iraqi Oil Ministry.

Abdul Ghani highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between the two nations and stressed the need to preserve these ties in ways that advance the national interests of both sides.

Talks centered on the current condition of the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline and the possibility of using it once again for crude oil exports. Both countries agreed to establish a joint committee to assess the state of the pipeline and consider resuming operations, with plans to bring in an international consultant to evaluate its technical capacity, pumping systems, and the feasibility of repairs.

Al-Bashir, for his part, outlined the situation of Syria’s oil sector and underscored the need to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas route, which has been damaged by sabotage and years of deterioration.

The Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, linking Iraq’s northern city of Kirkuk with the Syrian port city of Baniyas, first became operational in 1952. It sustained severe damage during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and has been out of service since that time.

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