**ISTANBUL:** Turkiye and Iraq have agreed to extend their long-standing oil pipeline agreement by **one year**, ensuring the continued operation of a key export route for Iraqi crude while both countries work toward a broader long-term energy partnership.
The agreement was finalised during a meeting in Ankara between Turkish Energy Minister **Alparslan Bayraktar** and Iraqi Oil Minister **Bassem Mohammed Khudair**, shortly after the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister **Ali al-Zaidi**.
Announcing the development on X, Bayraktar described the talks as productive and confirmed that the interim arrangement would maintain a **minimum transit capacity of 750,000 barrels of oil per day** through the pipeline.
The previous agreement governing the **Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline**, which transports Iraqi crude to Turkiye’s Mediterranean export terminal at **Ceyhan**, expired earlier this week.
“While negotiations continue on a new long-term agreement for the pipeline, we have implemented this transit arrangement covering a daily capacity of 750,000 barrels,” Bayraktar said.
Prime Minister Zaidi welcomed the extension, calling it “an important strategic milestone” that will strengthen energy cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
He added that Iraqi and Turkish companies would immediately begin implementing the agreement, while both governments continue negotiations on a **comprehensive framework covering oil, electricity and water resources**.
The **Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline**, one of Iraq’s most important export routes, has a maximum capacity of approximately **1.5 million barrels per day**, making it a vital component of regional energy trade.
By AFP
