Paris: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed the commencement of expanding oil exploration in Iraq, a move set to bolster national economic growth and support development plans.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received the President of Total Energies, Patrick PouyannE, and his delegation at his residence in Paris on Monday. The meeting focused on reviewing strategic projects implemented by the company in Iraq, especially within the gas sector.

During the discussions, al-Zaidi highlighted the government’s plans to expand associated gas investment to achieve self-sufficiency. He also outlined plans to ramp up oil production over the next five years, aiming to reach a production level of 10 million barrels per day. Al-Zaidi noted that preparations are underway to hold an international energy conference in Baghdad to further these initiatives.

Patrick PouyannE expressed Total Energies’ readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the oil and energy sectors. He emphasized that the company currently holds significant oil investments in Iraq, valued at $12 billion, with plans to increase this investment to $16 billion in the future.