Iraq seeks energy cooperation with EU

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-17-2008 13:48

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has started his EU visit in Brussels.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki shakes hands with European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pottering (R) before their meeting at the EU  Parliament in Brussels April 16, 2008.  REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

He met on Wednesday with the European Parliament President Hans Gert Poettering.

Al-Maliki said Iraq would welcome EU companies and experts and hopes for increased cooperation with the European Union.

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain Al-Shahristani, who is accompanying al-Maliki, discussed details of enhanced energy cooperation with EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.

EU officials say they hope to reach an outline agreement with Iraq to import Iraqi gas via a planned pipeline across Turkey.

The 27-nation bloc is keen to diversify its gas supplies away from Russia, which provides one-quarter of the bloc's needs.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei