Iraq's Minister of Oil, Hayyan Abdul Ghani, engaged in crucial discussions with Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alp Arslan Bayraktar, focused on the oil and energy sector during a meeting held in Ankara.

A press release issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil outlined the significant topics addressed during the discussions. The ministers deliberated various bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, with a notable emphasis on the strategic importance of the crude oil pipeline connecting Iraq and Turkey. Their discussions also encompassed the resumption of crude oil flows through this vital conduit. This move comes after comprehensive rehabilitation and inspection procedures following a seismic event that occurred in February of the previous year.

Both ministers underlined their commitment to strengthening cooperative efforts in the fields of energy, oil, gas, electricity interconnection, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. The press release further noted that the Joint Iraqi-Turkish Economic Committee, presided over by the two ministers, has agreed to convene its nineteenth meeting in Baghdad. The specific date for this meeting will be announced at a later time.

In parallel developments, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, embarked on a two-day visit to Baghdad. During the initial phase of his visit, Minister Fidan met with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein. Subsequently, he is scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials from Iraq's presidential, parliamentary, and prime ministerial offices, as reported by a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This diplomatic engagement follows a recent dispute between the two nations. Turkey suspended its import of oil from Iraq's Kurdistan Region in March of the previous year, following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce's arbitration body in Paris. The ruling favored Iraq in a dispute over oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, an issue dating back to 2014. At that time, Baghdad initiated legal proceedings against Turkey, objecting to Ankara's unilateral announcement of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to global markets without the consent of the Iraqi government.

This latest round of discussions reflects the ongoing efforts of Iraq and Turkey to navigate complex energy and economic matters, reinforcing the importance of cooperation in the region.