Peregraf
The Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus, Yassin Sharif al-Hujaimi, announced Monday that Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir will arrive in Baghdad tomorrow, Tuesday, at the invitation of Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul Ghani.
Al-Hujaimi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir will visit Baghdad tomorrow, Tuesday, at the official invitation of the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani… based on this invitation, al-Bashir will visit Iraq to reach understandings for transporting oil from Iraq through Syrian territory to the Mediterranean via the Syrian port of Baniyas.”
A key aim of the visit is to forge an agreement enabling Iraq to export oil through Syria’s Mediterranean port of Banias—potentially enhancing Iraq’s logistical flexibility and tapping a strategic corridor outside traditional Gulf routes.
In parallel, al-Bashir is scheduled to meet with Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab, to negotiate a bilateral plan addressing critical water scarcity issues. Central to their talks is managing dramatically reduced flow in the Euphrates River, currently falling from around 500 cubic meters per second to approximately 300.
Oil Logistics via Banias
Although contemporary documentation is scarce, Banias has historically functioned as a pivotal export point on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, especially during periods when more conventional Iraqi export avenues were constrained by geopolitics. Utilizing this port could afford Iraq greater access to European markets, while diversifying its export infrastructure.
Water Strategy & Euphrates Decline
Descending river flows along the Euphrates—due to upstream usage, dam controls, and climate impacts—have deepened regional water stress. A joint approach with Syrian partners may involve structured water releases and shared reservoir management, aiming to mitigate scarcity and protect downstream communities.