Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani met with visiting Syrian energy chief Mohammed al-Bashir to discuss the bilateral cooperation in oil, gas and energy.

A statement by the Iraqi oil ministry said the two sides discussed the current situation of the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline and the possibility of using it to export crude oil.

They also agreed to form a joint committee to study the condition of the pipeline and the possibility of resuming exports through it, with a proposal to involve an international consultant to determine the pipeline’s operational viability, pumping systems, and feasibility of rehabilitation.

The Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, connecting Iraq’s northern Kirkuk and Syria’s coastal Baniyas, went into operation in 1952.

During the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the pipeline was heavily damaged and has remained inactive since then.