Iraq-Turkey talks begin over pipeline, but no signs of progress

ANKARA - Iraq and Turkey have started discussions about reopening the northern oil export pipeline and bringing 475,000 barrels per day (bpd) back onto global markets, but there is no sign of an imminent breakthrough — and the potential for an indefinite stalemate.

A technical delegation from Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources met in Baghdad with an Iraqi team headed by deputy Oil Minister Bassem Khdeir on Monday, according to multiple officials briefed on the meeting. A representative from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was also in the room.