Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Speaker of Iraqi Parliament, Haibet al-Halbousi, and senior Jordanian officials discussed recently the implementation of joint strategic projects, primarily the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline.

According to a statement released by the Iraqi parliament, al-Halbousi concluded on Monday an official visit to Jordan, where he met with King Abdullah II, Speaker of the Jordanian House of Representatives Mazen al-Qadi, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and President of the Senate Faisal al-Fayez.

The meetings addressed approaches to strengthen relations between the two countries and develop joint cooperation across political, economic, and parliamentary fields.

The discussions addressed steps to move forward with the implementation of joint strategic projects, primarily the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline and the electrical interconnection project.

Anbar Provincial Council member Adnan al-Kubaisi said in late March that the Iraqi parliament may take action in the near future to push the government to construct the Haditha-Aqaba pipeline project, given its strategic importance in diversifying oil export channels.

The project was previously approved but faced objections. However, there is currently pressure to reactivate it, given the economic benefits it offers.

The pipeline runs from Basra to Haditha in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. It would then extend out toward the Jordanian port of Aqaba, offering a direct route to the Red Sea and European markets.

The suggestion comes while the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked because of the ongoing confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran.