Iraq is stepping up efforts to strengthen its energy sector by expanding cooperation with international energy companies while advancing long-term projects aimed at achieving gas self-sufficiency and diversifying the country’s oil export routes as part of its broader energy strategy.
Oil Ministry Signs Letter of Intent with BP and ConocoPhillips
Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced the signing of a letter of intent with Britain’s BP and U.S.-based ConocoPhillips to begin discussions with the North Oil Company on exchanging geological and technical information related to potential exploration opportunities in Kirkuk.
According to the ministry, the agreement is intended to assess promising oil prospects in the province and explore future cooperation in exploration and field development, supporting Iraq’s plans to maximize the value of its hydrocarbon resources while benefiting from the expertise and advanced technologies of leading international energy companies.
Gas Projects and New Export Routes Form Part of Long-Term Strategy
In parallel, Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair said Iraq aims to completely eliminate gas flaring by the end of 2028 while ending natural gas imports through the development of key gas fields, including Mansuriya and Akkas.
The minister added that the government is also studying the construction of a strategic pipeline linking Basra to Kirkuk before extending to Türkiye’s Ceyhan export terminal. The proposal also includes future branches toward Syria’s Baniyas port and Jordan’s Aqaba port as part of a broader strategy to diversify Iraq’s oil export outlets and reduce reliance on a single export corridor.
Integrated Vision for Iraq’s Energy Future
The latest initiatives reflect Iraq’s broader strategy of combining international investment with infrastructure development to strengthen both the oil and gas sectors.
By expanding exploration partnerships while investing in domestic gas production and new export infrastructure, Iraq aims to enhance energy security, increase production capacity and reinforce its position in regional and global energy markets.
Conclusion
Iraq continues to pursue a comprehensive energy strategy that combines international partnerships with major infrastructure projects, seeking to unlock new exploration opportunities, achieve gas self-sufficiency, and diversify oil export routes in support of long-term economic growth and energy security.
