Kurdistan Region PM and US assistant secretary of state discuss resuming oil exports

ERBIL — Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Affairs Geoffrey R. Pyatt emphasized the urgency of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region during a phone call focused, according to a statement from the KRG.

Both leaders highlighted the significant economic repercussions caused by the suspension of oil exports, stressing its negative impact on Iraq’s federal budget and overall economic stability.

“The Kurdistan Region remains a crucial player in advancing Iraq’s sovereignty and energy independence,” Barzani and Pyatt agreed.

In March 2023, the International Chamber of Commerce ruled that Turkey had violated a 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing the Kurdistan Regional Government to export oil independently through the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline without Baghdad’s consent. This decision led to the suspension of approximately 450,000 barrels per day of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.

Full statement from The Kurdistan Regional Government:

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Affairs Geoffrey Pyatt held a telephone discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.

During the call, both sides stressed the urgency of resolving outstanding issues and removing barriers to oil exports, highlighting the suspension’s detrimental impact on Iraq’s budget and economic stability.

Prime Minister Barzani and Assistant Secretary Pyatt reaffirmed their agreement on the critical role that the Kurdistan Region can play in advancing Iraq’s sovereignty and energy independence, underscoring the importance of equitable solutions to support long-term economic growth and regional stability.