Iraq Ready to Purchase 10 Billion Cubic Meters of Natural Gas Annually from Turkmenistan
President of Iraq to Pay Official Visit to Turkmenistan
The President of Iraq is expected to embark on an official visit to Turkmenistan in the near future, as revealed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The announcement comes after a visit by a Turkmen delegation, led by the chairman of the State Concern “Turkmengaz,” to Baghdad from October 5 to 8.
During the visit, the Turkmen delegation met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who expressed his country’s interest in fostering comprehensive and mutually beneficial relations with Turkmenistan, particularly in the energy sector. Prime Minister al-Sudani also conveyed the President of Iraq’s readiness to visit Turkmenistan.
One of the key issues discussed between the two parties was the organization of Turkmen natural gas supplies to Iraq under a swap scheme through neighboring Iran. The Iraqi side expressed its willingness to receive approximately 10 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas on an annual basis. Detailed talks were held with the Minister of Electric Power Ziad Ali Fadel, covering legal, commercial, financial, and organizational aspects of future joint activities in the gas industry.
As a result of the negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Concern “Turkmengaz” and the Ministry of Electric Power of Iraq. Both parties agreed to continue discussions at the International Exhibition and Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2023,” scheduled to take place in Ashgabat.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Turkmenistan’s commitment to diversifying its energy supplies to global markets. With its substantial hydrocarbon resources and numerous potential partners, Turkmenistan aims to expand its gas industry and enhance the multi-variant pipeline infrastructure. The country seeks to sell its natural gas to interested countries and companies based on international rules and practices within the gas industry.
Further updates on the planned visit of the President of Iraq to Turkmenistan are expected in the coming weeks.
-ORIENT news
