Iraqi PM Calls for Expansion of Ties with Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi underlined Baghdad’s desire to develop ties with Tehran.
In a meeting with Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad, al-Abadi said his government’s policy is expanding relations with Iran in all areas including economic and energy fields.
The Iranian minister, for his part, said Tehran is ready for cooperation with Baghdad in energy production and construction of power plants.
In an earlier TV interview, Chitchian highlighted the two countries’ extensive collaborations in different areas like electricity production and said Iran is ready to extend electricity exports to Iraq.
He said Iran currently exports 1300 Megawatts of electricity to Iraq daily, adding that the total annual exports are valued at one billion dollars.
Back in 2013, the two sides agreed to increase electricity exports from Iran to Iraq by 500 megawatts.
Iranian companies have so far completed 10 projects in Iraq in the area of water and electricity and another 27 projects of the companies valued at $1.245 billion are still underway in the country.
