Lebanon proposed to Iraq a route for oil transit to the Mediterranean Sea bypassing the Strait of Hormuz during talks in Baghdad, The National reported, citing officials from both countries.

According to Ali al-Zaydi - Mudhir Mohammed Salih, financial adviser to the Iraqi prime minister, the main purpose of Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to Baghdad was an attempt to “restructure economic relations centered on the energy sector.”

He added that the delegation proposed using Lebanese territory as an additional outlet for Iraq to the Mediterranean Sea.

“If this idea is implemented, Lebanon will gain a significant logistics role and open a new trade window to the world for Iraq,” he said.

For his part, Lebanese Energy Minister Joe Saddi described the discussions as “very positive.” He said that both countries had agreed to form a joint technical group, and that an Iraqi delegation is expected to visit Lebanon soon to explore the possibilities for implementing these plans.

“At this stage, these are merely statements of intent,” he noted.

According to Saddi, the scope of the discussions goes beyond simply resuming operation of the old line.

In particular, the plans include studying the issue of building a branch pipeline running from Syria to Tripoli in Lebanon, as well as the possibility of constructing an oil refinery that could help Lebanon meet domestic demand for petroleum products.