Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom meets with Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Kurbanov in Baghdad during talks that concluded with the signing of an energy and gas cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Iraq, Turkmenistan sign energy cooperation deal after months of delay
BAGHDAD — Iraq and Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation and gas imports during the fourth round of political consultations held Monday at Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, signaling progress after months of delay caused by transit restrictions through Iran.
Earlier this month, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said the agreement to import Turkmen gas had stalled because “the only possible route is through neighboring Iran, and the sanctions make it difficult to finalize such an agreement.”
This week’s memorandum aims to revive bilateral energy cooperation and diversify Iraq’s gas supply sources. The meeting, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Kurbanov, also discussed expanding economic, trade, and investment ties.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the deal “aims to enhance collaboration in the energy sector and contribute to meeting the energy needs of both countries.” Bahr Aluloom urged Turkmenistan’s public and private sectors to visit Iraq and explore new investment opportunities, saying the country’s improving political and security environment “creates a favorable setting for cooperation.”
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to implement joint steps in the near future to build a long-term strategic partnership.
On Oct. 19, 2024, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity announced a preliminary agreement to import 20 million cubic meters of gas per day from Turkmenistan through an Iranian pipeline, marking what officials described as a significant boost to Iraq’s energy resources.