Ankara looks forward to hold partnerships with Russian – US companies operating in Kurdistan Region

(IraqiNews.com) The Turkish Minister of Energy, Tanir Yaldiz, stressed “Turkey looks forward to conclude commercial contracts this year with Russian and US companies that work in Kurdistan Region of Iraq to conduct common excavation for oil and gas.”

Turkey attempts to curry favor with Kurdistan Region through increase its participation in oil and gas projects, the step that incensed the central government of Iraq which says that it is the only side which is authorized to control the oil exports of Iraq.

Yaldiz continued saying in a press statement reported by Reuters News Agency “We seek to work jointly with Russian and US companies in north of Iraq within various projects in oil and gas sector during 2013.”

“The Iraqi companies operating in Kurdistan can join these partnerships which will involve three or four partners,” the Turkish official added noting “Turkey had fully explained during the visit of the Turkish Premier, Rajab Taiyb Erdogan to the USA that it is impossible for Ankara to be away from potential projects in Iraq,” pointing out that “The two sides discussed the best model for partnership which respects the Iraqi Constitution.”