An Iraqi delegation met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday to discuss the potential restoration of an Iraqi oil pipeline through Syria to Mediterranean ports. 

According to the Iraqi state news agency, the delegation, led by the head of Iraq's National Intelligence Service, also addressed enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation and bolstering border security during their bilateral meeting. 

The meeting also focused on expanding bilateral trade, which would bolster economic ties between them. 

The talks come after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with al-Sharaa in Qatar earlier this month for the first time since the ousting of former president Bashar Al-Assad by a rebel group, दिसंबर, which formed the ruling regime.  

The ouster of former Syrian President, following more than a decade of civil war, paved the way for Ahmed al-Sharaa to assume the presidency in January 2025, vowing to reshape Syria’s international relations, as well as reviving the country’s economy.  

Syria is currently facing a significant energy crisis, largely due to the severe damage to its oil industry during the prolonged conflict. The country has been struggling to secure oil imports, with attempts through public tenders hampered by international sanctions and associated financial risks. 

While it previously relied heavily on oil supplies from Iran, these were disrupted after the change in leadership in December, dealing a blow to the already crumbling economy.  

The country's economy has been severely impacted by nearly 14 years of conflict and wide-ranging sanctions imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, and European countries targeting individuals and businesses linked to the previous government.