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Iraqi Oil Ministry, KRG delegation discuss oil sector in Baghdad

PM:02:52:11/04/2022

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SULAIMANI—The Iraqi Oil Ministry and a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation have discussed the Kurdistan Region's oil and gas sector in a meeting in Baghdad today, 11 April. 

According to a statement issued on the Iraqi Oil Ministry's website today, the meeting is the first in a series of meetings between the two sides discussing "practical procedures" following the federal court's ruling on the "unconstitutionality" of Kurdistan Region's energy sector.

They also discussed "agreement on new and standard mechanisms for managing the region's oil industry to achieve the highest benefit and financial returns in the public interest, contributing to strengthening and supporting the national economy and the integration of the national oil industry" the statement added. 

In February, the court ruled that the independent sale of the Region's oil and natural gas was against the Iraqi constitution.

The KRG has said it is committed to its agreement with Baghdad and will take all legal and constitutional procedures to defend its rights and protect contracts and agreements with International Oil Companies (IOCs).

The ministry has formed specialized committees to "prepare a roadmap to discuss all the files related to the region's oil industry," it added.

In addition, the ministry has held intensive specialized meetings and workshops with local and international experts, and the Iraqi National Oil Company has tasked expert consultants to review all current contracts between the KRG and IOCs.

The KRG delegation included several senior officials, including Ministry of Natural Resources officials.

(NRT Digital Media)