Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday (August 10th) urged Iraq to expedite efforts to reopen the Amman-Baghdad road and move forward with the planned Iraqi oil pipeline, the Jordan Times reported.
During a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi, he also called for supporting the private sectors in the two countries to further develop trade relations and serve mutual interests.
Al-Abbadi stressed Iraq’s desire to develop co-operation in various fields, stressing Baghdad’s determination to reopen the highway and the Treibil border crossing.
He said Iraq was taking the necessary measures to reopen the highway as soon as possible, taking into consideration safety issues.
The two also discussed economic and trade co-operation and the situation in the region.
The Basra-Aqaba pipeline project would boost Iraq’s exports of oil and gas to world markets and secure Jordan with a considerable source of income and energy.
Safety of the pipeline has been cited as a key concern, as Iraqi forces are fighting to neutralise the threat of the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS).
