On the day Kurdistan’s oil exports resumed, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stressed that resolving issues with Baghdad must respect the Iraqi constitution and secure the financial rights of the Kurdish people. He framed the historic agreement as a key step toward stability and prosperity.
Speaking in Erbil, Barzani highlighted that the energy deal is not just an economic achievement but a mechanism to uphold constitutional rights and ensure financial security for the region’s citizens. His remarks coincided with the first barrels of crude flowing from Kurdistan to world markets after more than two and a half years of suspension.
The tripartite agreement between the KRG, Baghdad, and international companies allows 190,000 barrels per day to be exported through the Ceyhan pipeline, with 50,000 barrels reserved for domestic use. Iraqi and Turkish officials confirmed the process began smoothly, marking the end of a long stalemate that had disrupted public salaries and reduced investment.
Economic analysts predict immediate benefits, including billions in revenue for Iraq and revived employment for local oil companies. Experts emphasized the strategic importance of the northern export route as an alternative to southern ports, strengthening Iraq’s energy security.
Barzani thanked international partners, particularly the United States, for supporting the deal. He concluded that the resumption of exports lays the foundation for a more stable, constitutionally grounded partnership with Baghdad and ensures the financial entitlements of the Kurdish people are protected.