Eco
In a move to strengthen economic ties and secure regional trade flows, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara revealed an ambitious project aimed at linking Iraqi oil fields with Syrian ports. This announcement came during an open dialogue at the Atlantic Council, following his meeting with Al-Zaidi, where Al-Shara emphasized the importance of securing a safe passage for Iraqi oil products through Syrian territory, asserting that this connection represents a strategic step for the region. Al-Shara addressed the geopolitical challenges facing the region, noting the heavy legacy resulting from the American war on Iraq, which led to increased Iranian influence in the country and its control over vital junctions within Iraq. He affirmed that the current Iraqi Prime Minister faces a difficult task in dealing with this legacy, mentioning his recent tripartite meeting with the Prime Minister, attended by US envoy Tom Brack. He also pointed to the existence of banned militias operating outside state institutions, indicating that the Prime Minister is striving to control their weaponry and place it under state authority. In the context of enhancing bilateral relations, Al-Shara affirmed his country's keenness to establish deep economic ties with Iraq, given their long shared borders, with the aim of serving the mutual interests of both nations. He clarified that the proposed project to connect Iraqi oil fields with Syrian ports would offer a strategic alternative to the Bab al-Mandab and Suez Canal routes. He noted that this pathway existed since the 1950s but ceased due to poor political relations, and current efforts are focused on addressing those issues and correcting the course of the past half-century to restore regional cooperation.
