Baghdad: Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi affirmed on Saturday that Iraq is keen to strengthen relations and joint cooperation in all fields with its regional neighbors. The Ministry of Oil released a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) detailing the minister’s commitment to enhancing ties during his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi met with Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Abdullah al-Jadaan. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and prospects for joint cooperation between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the fields of gas, energy, and electricity. The meeting was also attended by the Iraqi Ambassador to the Kingdom, Safia al-Suhail.

The statement emphasized that meetings with Saudi officials during the visit underscored the importance of enhancing relations and coordinating at the highest levels. The discussions explored opportunities for joint cooperation in sectors that serve the common interests of both nations and their peoples.

The delegation accompanying the Oil Minister included Iraq’s Finance Minister Falih Sari, Undersecretary for Extraction Affairs Nasir Aziz, the Director General of the State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), the Director General of the Economic Department, and several other government and ministry officials.