Iraqi PM pushes for deeper oil collaboration with Azerbaijan SOCAR to play key role

Iraq has expressed a strong interest in expanding its energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and jointly developing oil industry projects.

This development was shared by local media based on a statement from the press office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, following a meeting between Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baghdad, per Caliber.Az.

A vice president from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), whose name was not disclosed, also attended the talks on the Azerbaijani side.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to bolster constructive cooperation between Iraq and Azerbaijan across various sectors, with a particular focus on energy. Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscored the importance of ramping up joint initiatives that could further strengthen the relationship and serve the interests of both nations.

"Iraq is keen to establish a partnership with Azerbaijan to implement projects in the oil sector," Al-Sudani remarked. "We see significant opportunities for investment in the energy sector, and we welcome SOCAR's professionalism and expertise. We are particularly interested in having SOCAR participate in oil extraction projects."

The Prime Minister also highlighted Iraq's efforts to develop its natural gas extraction sector, emphasising the country's focus on attracting leading international companies into this field.

In response, Minister Bayramov extended greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and invited Prime Minister Al-Sudani for an official visit to Baku. The invitation aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the ties between the two countries across all sectors.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani accepted the invitation, expressing his intention to visit Azerbaijan at the earliest possible opportunity to explore further opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova