Why it matters:
The meeting highlights the deepening of strategic energy relations between two neighboring nations, both of which play pivotal roles in the region’s energy landscape. Amid Iraq’s drive for self-sufficiency in petroleum derivatives, closer cooperation with Iran—an established powerhouse in energy infrastructure and refining technology—could pave the way for regional economic independence from foreign powers.
What he's saying:
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, stated that Iraq is actively pursuing projects that aim to achieve self-reliance in the production of petroleum derivatives. He underlined Baghdad’s intention to expand technical cooperation and attract Iranian investment in Iraq’s energy sector.
Key points:
- Iraq aims to reduce dependency on imported fuel and sees Iran as a key partner in achieving that goal due to its advanced refining capabilities.
- Iran has reiterated its policy of regional solidarity, emphasizing cooperation with neighboring Muslim nations to resist Western monopolies in energy markets.
- The meeting also carried symbolic significance, reinforcing the shared path of Resistance and martyrdom as foundational elements of bilateral relations.
Go deeper:
Iran and Iraq, as two major OPEC members and neighboring countries, share mutual interests in ensuring energy security and economic stability in the region. While the West continues to impose sanctions and exert political pressure on independent states, strategic cooperation in energy between Tehran and Baghdad is seen as a crucial element in establishing a resilient, sovereign, and interdependent regional economy.
ahmad shirzadian
