Iraq Oil Minister HE Hayan Abdel Ghani confirmed on Wednesday Qatar’s interest in obtaining rights for oil and gas exploration in his country, speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum.
Ghani told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the forum was an opportunity to announce a number of energy projects that Iraq wants to develop in the coming period, especially the fifth and sixth rounds that include 19 blocks in the Western side of the country.
He also said that he discussed activating a number of projects in Iraq with President and CEO of QatarEnergy Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, calling on international companies to participate in these rounds, given the role these investments play in generating electricity and securing financial resources for Iraq.
Qatar Energy had agreed to own a 25 percent stake in the Gas Growth Integrated Project in Iraq (GGAT), which aims to develop natural gas resources in the country.
The project’s coalition is 30 percent owned by Basra Oil Company, with 45 percent owned by TotalEnergies, and QatarEnergy with 25 percent.
This was achieved after wrapping up all contractual requirements and obtaining regulatory approvals.