Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Saturday underscored the significance of enhancing coordination and cooperation within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to safeguard stability in the global energy markets.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office highlighted that Al-Sudani met with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais on the sidelines of the Baghdad International Energy Forum. The forum commenced today with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul Ghani.

Al-Sudani stressed that ongoing collaboration among OPEC member states is crucial for maintaining equilibrium in energy markets. He also praised the extensive international participation in the forum, which is being hosted by Baghdad.

In response, Al-Ghais remarked that Baghdad’s role as host for the International Energy Forum accentuates its historical and active involvement in the oil and energy sector. He also recalled that the Iraqi capital was the birthplace of OPEC 65 years ago.