Erbil-Baghdad Collaboration Essential for Oil Pipeline Reopening, Says APIKUR Spokesperson
"APIKUR is actively engaged with both the KRG and the central government in Baghdad to restart oil exports, as reopening the Turkey-Iraq oil pipeline is crucial," Caggins stated during a televised interview with Kurdistan24.
Jan. 28, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Colonel Myles Caggins, Spokesperson for the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR), announced on Monday that discussions are ongoing between Erbil and Baghdad to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
"APIKUR is actively engaged with both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the central government in Baghdad to restart oil exports, as reopening the Turkey-Iraq oil pipeline is crucial," Caggins stated during a televised interview with Kurdistan24.
The APIKUR spokesperson noted that they are closely monitoring the budget amendment discussions and are hopeful that the parliamentarians will align with the stance of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on the significance of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
"Prior to the halt, the region exported approximately 400,000 barrels per day, and resuming operations would benefit all of Iraq," he remarked.
Caggins also highlighted the longstanding presence and investment of oil companies in the Kurdistan Region, which dates back to 2005, amounting to $10 billion in investments. He concluded by noting that the APIKUR companies directly employ about 2,000 people and that 80% of the employees of APIKUR companies are Iraqi Kurdish citizens.
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