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News Releases
No. 08/08
January 31, 2008
EU AND IRAQ DISCUSS ENHANCING ENERGY COOPERATION
The European Commissioner for
External Relations,
Benita
Ferrero-Waldner (on right, above), and the European Commissioner for
Energy,
Andris Piebalgs (right, below), met in Brussels today with the
Minister of Oil of the Republic of
Iraq, Hussain Al-Shahristani (on left,
above),
to discuss enhancing
energy cooperation between the
European Union and the Republic of Iraq.
 "One of the main tools we have to improve our security
of supply is diversification," said Commissioner
Piebalgs. "Establishing stable frameworks for energy
cooperation with potential new suppliers is therefore a
priority for us. Both the EU and Iraq have much to gain
from strong energy cooperation. As a first step we are
keen to see Iraq play a full role in the Arab Gas
Pipeline which will supply the EU including through the
Nabucco."
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said: "Iraq is a natural
energy partner for the EU, both as a producer of oil and
gas and as a transit country for hydrocarbon resources
from the Middle East and the Gulf to the EU. Therefore
we have a mutual interest in exploring the possibility
of an EU-Iraq Energy Partnership that could be
beneficial for both sides."
Discussions focused on the progress achieved so far in
the negotiations of a
Trade and Cooperation Agreement
between the EU and the Republic of Iraq and the
importance of enhancing relations in the energy sector.
Both sides agreed to focus their cooperation on
developing a long-term energy strategy for Iraq;
strengthening institutional capacity of the Iraqi
administration in the energy sector; developing the
potential of the Iraqi natural gas sector and export
infrastructure to the EU as well as promoting renewable
energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
It was also agreed to work together on the development
of interconnections of Iraq’s gas infrastructure to the
Arab Gas Pipeline.
For more information, please visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/iraq/intro
and http://www.eurunion.org/newsweb/HotTopics/Iraq.htm
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Further Contact Information:
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766
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