Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar undertook high-level discussions in Iraq focusing on cooperation in energy sectors and bilateral trade, leading to agreements on doubling electricity supplies and exploring gas imports. Meetings with key Iraqi officials underscored the intent to bolster Turkish investments in the oil and gas sector, enhancing regional energy security.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar engaged in high-level discussions in Iraq aimed at bolstering collaboration in the sectors of oil, electricity, and gas, alongside enhancing bilateral trade. The talks unfolded in Baghdad on March 16, where he met with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Their agenda encompassed developing existing energy cooperation and addressing the country’s needs in these crucial sectors.
During the meeting, an agreement was reached to double the electricity Türkiye supplies to Iraq. Moreover, discussions centered on the potential for gas imports from Türkiye to support Iraq’s power plants, aligning with the objective of strengthening bilateral partnerships in the energy domain.
Additionally, Minister Bayraktar emphasized the significance of fostering Turkish investments in Iraq’s oil and gas sector, ensuring a conducive environment for these endeavors. His visit, occurring shortly after the U.S. terminated a sanctions waiver permitting Iraq to acquire electricity from Iran, is particularly notable.
In Baghdad, Bayraktar also met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, where they explored further deepening their energy collaboration and contributed to regional energy security. Bayraktar stated, “We agreed to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Iraq.”
Further discussions were held with Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulgani and Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil. Following the meetings in Baghdad, Bayraktar proceeded to Erbil to confer with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). He noted, “During our meeting, we discussed the steps to be taken to develop our oil and electricity trade and what can be done to develop cooperation with our public-private companies in the hydrocarbon fields in the region.”
In conclusion, Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s visit to Iraq signified a pivotal step towards enhancing Türkiye-Iraq energy cooperation. Significant agreements were made to double electricity supplies and explore gas imports to support Iraqi power generation. The meetings emphasized mutual investment opportunities and the strengthening of strategic partnerships, all aimed at bolstering regional energy security and economic ties.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
