Daijiworld Media Network - Baghdad

Baghdad, Mar 17: Iraq and Turkey have taken significant steps to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a focus on electricity, natural gas, and oil. Iraqi foreign minister Fuad Hussein met Turkish Energy and natural resources minister Alparslan Bayraktar to discuss investment opportunities and infrastructure expansion.

According to the Iraqi foreign ministry, discussions revolved around encouraging Turkish companies to invest in Iraq’s oil and gas sector. Turkey has also agreed to double its electricity supply to Iraq, helping to alleviate seasonal shortages, particularly in the Kurdistan region and Mosul. Both sides emphasized the need to expedite the electricity interconnection project by completing technical preparations swiftly.

The meeting also addressed the possibility of importing Turkish natural gas to support Iraq’s power plants. Additionally, the renewal and potential extension of the Ceyhan pipeline agreement were discussed, with an eye on enhancing Iraq’s oil exports to European markets.

As part of ongoing energy collaboration, Iraq and Turkey recently launched the Kisk–Cizre electrical interconnection line, which currently supplies 300 megawatts to Iraq. The Ministers agreed to increase the capacity to 600 megawatts in the near future.

This development comes as Iraq grapples with chronic electricity shortages, exacerbated by the recent US decision to revoke Baghdad’s waiver to purchase electricity from Iran. Despite being an oil-rich nation, Iraq remains dependent on imported gas to sustain its power grid.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening energy ties, with continued coordination on key infrastructure projects and supply agreements.