Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar held talks in Iraq focusing on enhancing cooperation in oil, electricity, and gas sectors. Key agreements included doubling electricity supplies and discussing gas imports from Turkey. The visit followed U.S. sanctions changes affecting Iraq’s energy imports. Bayraktar met with multiple Iraqi leaders to strengthen bilateral relations in energy.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar engaged in high-level discussions in Iraq focused on cooperation in the oil, electricity, and gas sectors, along with bilateral trade. During his meeting in Baghdad with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on March 16, both parties explored opportunities to enhance their energy collaboration.
A significant outcome from the meeting was an agreement to double Turkey’s electricity supply to Iraq. Discussions also included the potential for Turkey to export gas to Iraq, which would help meet the energy requirements of Iraqi power plants, thereby strengthening their cooperation in this area.
Bayraktar emphasized the importance of encouraging Turkish investment in Iraq’s oil and gas sector, facilitating an environment for Turkish companies. His visit coincided with the U.S. decision to terminate a sanctions waiver, impacting Iraq’s ability to purchase electricity from Iran.
Further discussions took place with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad, where they assessed strategies to deepen energy collaboration and enhance regional energy security. Bayraktar expressed commitment to fortifying the strategic partnership between Turkey and Iraq.
Additionally, Bayraktar met with Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulgani and Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil. He traveled to Erbil to meet Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government, discussing plans to advance oil and electricity trade and collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector.
Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s meetings in Iraq underscored the commitment to enhancing energy collaboration, with agreements to increase electricity exports and explore gas imports. The discussions highlight the strategic partnership between Turkey and Iraq amidst changing geopolitical circumstances, particularly following recent U.S. sanctions adjustments. By fostering investment opportunities, both nations aim to bolster energy security and operational efficiencies in the region.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
