Iraq still committed to energy ties with Saudi Arabia, Gulf states despite Iran electricity deal
Iraq has signed an agreement with Iran to continue importing gas and electricity for two years.
BAGHDAD — Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani arrived June 3 in Baghdad on a pre-announced visit after applying for a visa with Iraq's Foreign Ministry.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi had refused to allow the visiting delegation to enter the country without a visa, breaking the practice previously prevailing between the two countries.
Qaani was part of an official Iranian delegation headed by Reza Ardakanian, Iran's minister of energy. On June 4, the delegation met with Kadhimi, Iraqi President Barham Salih and parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi. On the agenda were trade, energy and the upcoming strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington, including the presence of US troops in Iraq.
Ardakanian announced that a new agreement was signed with the Iraqi government to export electricity to Iraq for a period of two years. He also noted that Iraq has paid $400 million of its energy dues.
