Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar Discusses Energy Cooperation in Iraq

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar held discussions in Iraq focusing on oil, gas, electricity cooperation, and bilateral trade. Key agreements include doubling Türkiye’s electricity supply and exploring gas imports. The meetings emphasized strengthening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Iraq amid regional energy security concerns.

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar engaged in high-level discussions in Iraq focused on enhancing collaboration in the oil, electricity, and gas sectors, alongside bilateral trade. His notable meeting in Baghdad on March 16 with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revolved around strategies to bolster existing cooperation in energy procurement.

The two officials reached an agreement to double Türkiye’s electricity supply to Iraq. Furthermore, discussions included the potential for importing gas from Türkiye to meet the energy demands of Iraq’s power plants, emphasizing the importance of strengthened cooperation in this sector.

Additionally, the meetings highlighted the encouragement for Turkish firms to invest in Iraq’s oil and gas industry, facilitated by necessary support measures. Notably, Bayraktar’s visit occurred shortly after the United States chose to terminate a sanctions waiver that had previously allowed Iraq access to Iranian electricity.

In the Iraqi capital, Bayraktar also conferred with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, stating the necessity of deepening cooperation in energy to enhance regional energy security. The minister further noted a commitment to fortifying the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Iraq.

Beyond these discussions, Bayraktar met with Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulgani and Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil. His diplomatic mission continued in Erbil, where he met with Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). They deliberated on advancing oil and electricity trade and fostering public-private collaboration in hydrocarbon initiatives within the region.

Minister Bayraktar’s high-level discussions in Iraq have paved the way for an enhanced bilateral relationship, especially in energy cooperation. Key agreements include doubling electricity supplies and discussing gas imports, aiming to secure energy needs for Iraq. The engagement with Iraqi officials signals Turkey’s commitment to investing in Iraq’s energy sector and supporting regional energy security. Ultimately, this visit underscores the strategic partnership potential between Türkiye and Iraq in various sectors.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com