Russia expressed strong approval of the resumption of Kurdish oil exports. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the deal reflects progress between Baghdad and Erbil. He made the remarks during a press conference at the United Nations.
Lavrov said Russia feels “very happy” about the breakthrough. He explained that the agreement shows Kurds and Arabs in Iraq can resolve disputes through dialogue. He stressed that national accord is essential for stability, and Iraq has taken a step in that direction.
Russia maintains close ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Major Russian oil companies such as Lukoil, Gazprom Neft, and Rosneft operate in both southern Iraq and the Kurdish region. These projects highlight Russia’s significant role in Iraq’s energy sector. Diplomatic relations between Russia and Iraq date back to 1944, further deepening cooperation.
The Kurdish oil exports recently restarted through the Iraq–Turkey pipeline after long delays. The suspension began in 2023 when a Paris-based arbitration court ruled that Turkey had violated a pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil to export oil independently. The halt lasted more than two years, heavily impacting revenues in the Kurdistan Region.
Following extensive negotiations, the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq’s federal government, and international oil companies reached a binding agreement. The deal transferred authority over Kurdish crude sales to Iraq’s state oil marketing company, SOMO, ensuring that exports continue under a unified framework.
Lavrov said he stays in constant contact with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and speaks regularly with Kurdish leaders. He praised the commitment of both Baghdad and Erbil to dialogue. He added that Moscow strongly supports the process of cooperation between the two sides.
According to Lavrov, Russia does not want the Kurdish issue to cause instability in Iraq or the wider region. He emphasized that dialogue and cooperation serve everyone’s interests. The new agreement, he said, proves that Erbil and Baghdad can manage their differences responsibly.
The statement signals Russia’s ongoing interest in Iraq’s energy development and stability. With major energy firms already active, Moscow views the resumption of Kurdish oil exports as a positive step that benefits Iraq’s economy and global energy markets.