US, Iraq discuss resolution to Kurdistan Region oil export dispute

NEWSROOM – During talks in Washington, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Management John Bass, along with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt, emphasized the need for continued dialogue between Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region. The discussions focused on resolving the ongoing dispute over oil exports and fostering cooperation in the energy sector.

Oil exports from the Kurdistan region through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline have been halted since March 2023, following an international arbitration ruling that found Turkey in violation of a 1973 agreement by allowing Kurdish oil exports without Baghdad’s approval. The ruling has disrupted a major export route, straining relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraq’s federal government.

Official Statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs:​

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Management John Bass and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt on the sidelines of the International Coalition Against ISIS ministerial meeting in Washington.
During the meeting, they discussed enhancing joint cooperation in energy, oil, and economic sectors, while continuing diplomatic efforts to maintain Iraq’s stability and security. Both sides also emphasised the importance of protecting maritime corridors to ensure the safe export of Iraqi and Gulf oil by securing these vital routes.
Additionally, the discussions focused on sustaining dialogue between Baghdad, Erbil, and the oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to resolve ongoing disputes related to oil exports.
The meeting also addressed the regional security situation, the impact of escalating tensions, and its effects on energy and oil resources. Both parties underscored the importance of continued U.S.-Iraq cooperation to prevent Iraq from becoming entangled in regional conflicts and to confront the economic challenges posed by regional instability.
Bass expressed his appreciation for Iraq’s participation in the 10th ministerial meeting of the International Coalition Against ISIS and for its role in strengthening efforts to combat terrorism.