Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaydi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed a comprehensive oil-pipeline agreement during a visit to Ankara [1].
The agreement aims to increase Iraq's crude-oil export capacity by enabling more efficient flows through Turkish territory [1]. This cooperation is critical for Iraq to stabilize its energy revenue and expand its reach into international markets.
During the talks, Erdogan said Zaydi offered to supply Ankara with one million barrels of Iraqi oil [1]. The discussions also included the possibility of Turkey's state oil-gas company operating within the Kirkuk field [1].
Iraq has set broader goals for its energy exports. Reports indicate the country targets exporting one million barrels of oil per day via Turkey and Syria [2]. This represents a strategic shift to diversify the routes through which Iraqi crude reaches global buyers.
Zaydi's visit to Turkey in early June 2024 marked his first official trip to the country [2]. The meetings focused on the technical and political requirements necessary to sign a formal agreement that would secure long-term oil flows from the Kirkuk field through Turkey [1].
Both leaders said there is a need for a comprehensive deal to resolve previous disputes over pipeline management, and export quotas [1]. The potential for Turkish state involvement in Iraqi oil fields suggests a deepening of economic ties between the two nations.
“Zaydi offered to supply Ankara with one million barrels of Iraqi oil”
This agreement signals a strategic pivot for Iraq to reduce its reliance on single export routes and leverage Turkish infrastructure to maximize revenue. By allowing Turkish state companies into the Kirkuk field, Iraq is offering economic concessions to secure political stability and guaranteed transit for its crude oil.
