Discussions Between KRG and Turkish Energy Minister on Kurdistan Oil Exports
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Alparslan Bayraktar, the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with a delegation to address key issues surrounding the export of oil from the Kurdistan region.
The discussions, as per official statements, focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly within the energy sector. A significant outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to resolve all existing barriers to the export of oil via the Jayhan port at the earliest convenience.
Prior to his visit to Erbil, Bayraktar engaged with Iraqi counterparts, including Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani, in Baghdad to explore further collaboration in energy, oil, and gas sectors between Turkey and Iraq.
Upon arrival in Erbil, Bayraktar was received by KRG’s Acting Minister of Electricity and Natural Resources, Kamal Mohammed, as well as Safin Dzeyi, Head of Foreign Relations, and Hoshang Ahmed, Director of Turkish Affairs.
It is noteworthy that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk via Turkey have been suspended since March 23, 2023, following an international arbitration ruling in Paris, which underscores the ongoing complexities in the region’s oil export dynamics.