Iraq eyes closer energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia

BAGHDAD, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- The President of Iraq Fuad Masum reiterated Saturday his country's keenness to increase cooperation with Saudi Arabia in various fields.
Masum made his remarks while meeting with Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Faleh in Baghdad.
He called for boosting Iraqi-Saudi ties in energy, investment, tourism, and economy fields, in addition to enhancing the two country's cultural and academic cooperation.
Masum also expressed keenness to bolster the two countries' coordination in the energy field under the framework of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
He also stressed the importance of exchanging experiences with Riyadh to support prices in oil global markets.
He also expressed Baghdad's desire to benefit from the Saudi expertise in the petroleum industries field.
Meanwhile, Masum affirmed his country's determination to eliminate the so-called Islamic State (IS) permanently, evict last remaining members of the terrorist group from all areas they controlled, and build a free, democratic, federal, and prosperous Iraq.
For his part, Al-Faleh handed a letter by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and conveyed Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's greetings to the Iraqi President.
He also conveyed their congratulations for the recent victories attained by the Iraqi people over terrorism.
Moreover, the Saudi minister reiterated his country's full support of Iraq in its ongoing war against terrorism, and willingness to expand cooperation with Baghdad in the oil field. (end) ahh.ma