Representatives of Türkmengaz State Concern and representatives of the Iraqi Government signed a preliminary agreement in Ashgabat on Thursday that envisages gas imports from Turkmenistan for energy production purposes, the Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Azzat Sabir said following talks in Turkmenistan.
Azzat Sabir said the Iraqi government is keen to strengthen cooperation with friendly countries, including Turkmenistan, Shafaq News Agency reported.
The Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs also stated that work is currently underway to prepare a memorandum of understanding, which is expected to be finalized by the end of this year. The memorandum will define the volume of supplies and establish a procedure for cooperation between Iraq and Turkmenistan.
The Deputy Minister said the deal will help augment ties with gas-producing nations, "especially Turkmenistan, which stands as one of the top gas producers both regionally and globally."
In early August, Ministry of Electricity of Iraq has confirmed the establishment of a joint committee to engage in discussions regarding gas imports from Qatar and Turkmenistan.
Iraqi gas imports are used to operate power plants in central and southern Iraq, which collectively generate around 7,000 megawatts of electricity per day.