Energy Minister Bayraktar Engages in Strategic Talks on Energy Cooperation in Iraq
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar held high-level talks in Iraq to enhance cooperation in oil, electricity, and gas sectors. Key agreements included doubling electricity supply from Türkiye to Iraq and exploring gas imports. Discussions aimed at promoting Turkish investment in Iraq’s energy sector and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar held significant discussions in Iraq focused on cooperation in the oil, electricity, and gas sectors, as well as enhancing bilateral trade. His meetings on March 16 in Baghdad included engagements with the Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where they explored enhancing collaboration in the energy sector.
The discussions yielded an agreement to double the electricity supply from Türkiye to Iraq and assessed the feasibility of importing gas from Türkiye to support Iraq’s power plants. Additionally, they sought to encourage Turkish investments in Iraq’s oil and gas sector to fortify existing ties.
Bayraktar’s visit came in the wake of the United States’ decision to revoke a sanctions waiver that previously allowed Iraq to procure electricity from Iran. During his time in Baghdad, he also conferred with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to assess strategies for deepening energy cooperation and boosting regional energy security.
Bayraktar emphasized the aim to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Iraq following his discussions with both the Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulgani, as well as the Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil. Subsequently, Bayraktar proceeded to Erbil for talks with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, focusing on advancing oil and electricity trade and enhancing collaboration in hydrocarbon sectors.
In summary, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s discussions in Iraq aimed to foster stronger cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in electricity and gas. The agreement to double electricity supplies and explore gas imports underscores a commitment to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The strategic partnership between Türkiye and Iraq appears poised for further development, particularly following the shifting dynamics in energy sourcing following U.S. policy changes.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
