TODAY.AZ / Politics

Azerbaijan, Iraq mull energy co-op

02 June 2015 [14:33] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Aynur Karimova

Successfully developing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iraq was high on the agenda of talks held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Iraqi Oil Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi on June 1, AzerTac state news agency reported.

During the meeting, President Aliyev mentioned the importance of reciprocal visits in terms of expanding cooperation. He stressed on the necessity of defining prospects for cooperation in the energy field.

Adil Abdul-Mahdi, in turn, said his country has friendly ties with Azerbaijan, adding that there are good opportunities for developing cooperation in various areas, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The sides also stressed the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on projects relating to the development of oil and gas in Iraq signed by the energy ministry of Azerbaijan and the oil ministry of Iraq in terms of the development of cooperation in the energy field.

The document was signed on the same day by Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and Iraqi Oil Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

During the meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Minister Aliyev spoke of the historic roots linking Azerbaijan and Iraq, noting that the two countries share common opinions on global issues within the framework of international organizations.

He also expressed confidence that the rich oil resources of the two countries would open new horizons for expansion of cooperation between them. He noted the signed MoU would be a base for future cooperation in this field.

Minister Aliyev underlined that the relations between Azerbaijan and Iraq should not be limited to the energy field, adding “we have to expand our relations in all fields.”

As part of the Baku visit, Adil Abdul-Mahdi also met with Head of Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR, Rovnag Abdullayev.

The Iraqi minister provided an insight into the current state of the oil-gas industry of his country, saying that renewing infrastructure is a top priority of the country. He also expressed his country's interest in cooperating with SOCAR.

Abdullayev, for his part, said there are wide opportunities for cooperation.

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iraq started more than 40 years ago, and Iraq was one of the first countries that opened an embassy in Azerbaijan.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/141132.html

Print version

Views: 1089

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: