Iraq Develops Strategy to Supply Europe with Oil
The official spokesperson for the Iraqi government, Haider al-Aboudi, announced on Tuesday that the government has developed a comprehensive executive roadmap aimed at supplying Europe with Iraqi crude oil. Al-Aboudi indicated a shift towards alternative export corridors via Turkey and Syria, as part of an ambitious government vision targeting crude oil production of approximately 10 million barrels per day or more by 2030. Al-Aboudi clarified that the Prime Minister's European tour, which commenced in Paris and continued in Berlin, was driven by economic, political, security, and investment considerations. He emphasized that the tour built upon the historical depth of Iraqi-European relations, seeking to enhance mutual understanding and elevate it to advanced levels. This visit resulted in the signing of bilateral memorandums of understanding in the energy and security sectors, including technological aspects related to air defenses. The energy portfolio gained particular prominence during the Berlin visit, where the Prime Minister held a direct meeting at the German House of Business (German Chamber of Commerce and Industry), attended by over 50 businessmen and representatives of German companies. He extended a significant investment invitation to bolster commercial and economic partnership with German firms within the Iraqi environment, thereby stimulating the Iraqi economy in the state's interest. Regarding the potential for supplying Europe with Iraqi energy, al-Aboudi stated that the project to provide Iraqi crude oil to Europe is actively on the table, with an executive roadmap prepared by the government and the Ministry of Oil, under the supervision and guidance of the Prime Minister. He noted that the objective of this initiative is to liberate Iraq's economy from dependence on regional circumstances and potential complications affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Al-Aboudi affirmed that Iraq is moving towards alternative corridors to supply the European market via Turkey, as well as through Syria. This orientation reinforces the Iraqi government's vision to maximize oil production, with the government's roadmap targeting crude oil output to reach approximately or exceed 10 million barrels per day by 2030. He also pointed out that the allocation of Iraqi oil to global markets is guided by market indicators, as Iraq supplies markets in East Asia and Europe. On the political front, the spokesperson affirmed that Iraq and its government are open to all diplomatic solutions to de-escalate regional tensions. He stressed that the government adopted from the outset a principle of not becoming a party to any conflict or adopting a unilateral stance, but rather seeks to engage with the world to find solutions that ensure stable energy supplies and drive the region towards greater stability. Concluding his remarks, al-Aboudi addressed Iraqi communities in Europe, confirming the government's monitoring of their numbers and needs through diplomatic missions, and its simultaneous efforts to utilize the energies of the Iraqi diaspora in a way that benefits both the individuals and the Iraqi state.
