Iraq and Turkey Discuss the Pipeline Agreement and Strengthening Cooperation in the Energy Sector

INA–Baghdad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that a high-level delegation visited the Turkish capital, Ankara, to discuss the future of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline agreement and prospects for joint cooperation in the oil and energy sectors.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that "a delegation from the Republic of Iraq, headed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Oil, conducted a high-level visit to the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the future of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline agreement and prospects for joint cooperation in the oil and energy sectors."

"The visit included a series of negotiations and technical meetings at the expert level. The Iraqi delegation included relevant directors general from the Ministry of Oil, along with several directors general from the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Turkish side was represented by officials and experts from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources," the statement added.

"The Iraqi delegation, which included Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom, Deputy Oil Minister Nasir Al-Hindawi, and Ambassador Majid Al-Lajmawi, met with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar. During the meeting, they discussed mechanisms for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and explored ways to ensure the continued export of oil in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries," the statement continued.

"Both sides agreed to continue coordination and technical and legal consultations. It is hoped that the next phase will witness the signing of an executive protocol guaranteeing the continuation of Iraqi oil exports, including oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as this protocol will constitute a transitional step paving the way for a new agreement between the two sides within one year of the expiration of the current agreement," the statement concluded.