Lebanon has completed rehabilitation work on its section of the natural gas pipeline linking Tripoli to the Syrian border and is preparing to submit gas import contracts to the cabinet, Lebanese Minister of Energy and Water Joseph Saddi told Bloomberg’s Asharq Business website on November 2.

The work was funded by the Lebanese government and a Qatari grant that covered a substantial share of the costs, Saddi said on the sidelines of the international energy forum ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi.

Saddi added that import contracts were ready to be presented to the cabinet, expressing hope for a deal soon but did not disclose details.

Saddi also revealed Lebanon was in talks with Iraq to join a regional pipeline project that would transport Iraqi oil through Syria to Tripoli.

A preliminary understanding was reached during a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister about two months ago, with Lebanon seeking to participate in the route that historically connected Iraq to Tripoli, he said.

Separately, Lebanon and Qatar are due to resume talks on a comprehensive electricity-sector development project covering gas-fired power plant upgrades, renewable energy investment and long-term gas supplies, according to the minister.

Saddi announced that a fourth round of negotiations with Qatar was scheduled for this week, including discussions with UCC and QatarEnergy.

The project would be implemented under an agreement between the Lebanese and Qatari governments, he noted.

Qatar is also expected to host talks next week on a proposed 20-year natural gas supply contract, Saddi said, describing supply security and pricing as key issues.