In Iraq visit, Zawati discusses energy cooperation

AMMAN — Jordan and Iraq on Thursday discussed means to enhance energy cooperation.

During a visit to Baghdad, Energy Minister Hala Zawati followed up on the outcomes of the June 27 summit between His Majesty King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi, according to a ministry statement. 

The visit also followed up on strategic projects in the energy sector, such as the electric connection and oil pipeline between Basra and Aqaba, as well as the import of Iraqi oil following the Memorandum of Understanding between Amman and Baghdad, Zawati said.

The minister added that she met with Oil Minister Ihsan Ismail to discuss ways to move forward with the construction of the oil pipeline from Basra to Aqaba port. 

Ismail stressed that his ministry gives importance to the project as the scheme is being discussed with technical committees.

Zawati also met separately with Planning Minister Khalid Najim and Acting Minister of Electricity Adel Karim about projects of strategic importance, specifically the electricity connection and the oil pipeline projects.

Also during the visit, the minister attended the signing ceremony to officialise the Iraqi-Jordanian electricity connection.

In this regard, she said that the agreement will facilitate the start of the first phase of the electricity connection project and identify the technical specifications for the substations and lines necessary for the connection.