Iraqi Ambassador in Moscow: Energy, Oil and Gas Lead Cooperation Agenda with Russia
Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Abdul Karim Hashem Mustafa said on Sunday that relations between Baghdad and Moscow are longstanding and offer broad opportunities for expanding cooperation across several sectors, noting that preparations are underway to hold a meeting of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee in Moscow in December.
Mustafa said diplomatic relations between Iraq and the former Soviet Union, and later the Russian Federation, date back to 1945. He noted that ties have included cooperation agreements and high-level reciprocal visits over the decades, particularly during the 1970s.
He added that economic relations have traditionally remained strong, with Russian companies among the first foreign firms to operate in Iraq’s oil sector during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
The ambassador explained that the joint governmental committee brings together representatives from several Iraqi and Russian ministries, including oil, electricity, health, industry and higher education, and discusses agreements and key areas forming the basis for bilateral cooperation.
He said the next session of the committee is expected to take place in Moscow in December, while consultations with the Russian side continue to determine the exact date. He also pointed to the possibility of holding the meetings during the Iraqi foreign minister’s planned presence in Moscow.
Mustafa said energy, oil, gas and electricity are among the main areas of cooperation, particularly given the presence of major Russian companies operating in Iraq, including Rosneft and Gazprom. He also noted that Lukoil previously operated the West Qurna-2 oilfield before leaving Iraq amid sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
He said Iraq is coordinating with the Oil Ministry to determine the most appropriate mechanisms for dealing with Russian companies while taking into account US and European sanctions imposed on a number of Russian firms.
The ambassador also highlighted an open Russian invitation for Iraq to participate in meetings of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, saying Baghdad could benefit from Russia’s extensive experience in gas production and exports.
Mustafa stressed that the two countries have significant potential for deeper cooperation, particularly as Russia is a major oil and gas producer and exporter, while Iraq has substantial untapped gas resources.
He further pointed to Iraq’s need to expand electricity generation and said the country could benefit from Russia’s long experience in the sector, including the expertise of Russian companies that have previously worked on power projects in Iraq.
