By John Lee.
Iraq and Turkmenistan have reached a preliminary agreement to enhance cooperation in the gas sector, specifically concerning the importation of gas into Iraq.
The Deputy Minister of Oil for Gas Affairs, Mr. Azat Saber, said that a high-level government delegation held meetings with gas sector officials in Turkmenistan. The two parties have tentatively agreed on importing quantities of gas to meet a some of Iraq’s energy needs, especially for electricity generation.
This accord will be formalised in a memorandum of cooperation expected to be finalized by the end of this year. The memorandum will define proposed quantities and the mechanisms endorsed by both countries.
Emphasizing the importance of this agreement, Mr. Saber stated that it signifies a significant step towards expanding collaboration with gas-producing nations, with Turkmenistan being a pivotal gas producer regionally and globally.
The delegation included Mr. Adel Kareem, Deputy Minister of Electricity for Production Affairs, Advisor Abdulhamza Hadi, and Mr. Nasir Aziz, Director-General of Studies and Planning at the Ministry of Oil, along with several other officials.
(Sources: Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, Iraqi Ministry of Oil)