The Iraqi government is seeking bids for the redevelopment of an old pipeline running from Iraq's northern fields down to Syria's Mediterranean coast, officials have confirmed.

Speaking to Reuters, oil ministry spokesperson Asim Jihad said that a Russian firm had been contracted to carry out the work but had reneged on its duties.

"The Russian company failed to do the job and now we are seeking other foreign firms to evaluate the damage and rebuild the pipeline," he added.

Although Mr Jihad did not divulge details of the deal or the name of the company, Reuters reported that Stroytransgaz signed a protocol with the ministry to redevelop the pipeline last March. It is unclear whether this was a formal contract.

The announcement comes as the Syrian prime minister Mohammed Naji Otri touched down in Baghdad to commence talks setting out opportunities for cooperation and development between the two countries.

Iraqi authorities have also held high level meetings with Japanese officials to discuss the development of an oil training university in the south of the country.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining and Petrochemicals