New Oil Minister prioritizes development, production increase
The new Iraqi Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra and former Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail. Photo: Iraqi News Agency
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The new Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra, officially took over his duties on Saturday from former Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail, according to a statement cited by the state news agency (INA).
Abdul Zahra mentioned in a press conference that he is keen to develop the oil industry, increase production, enhance explorations and support the producing governorates.
“We hope to complete the national process of developing the oil sector which is the main source of the federal budget,” Abdul Zahra said.
Abdul Zahra explained that he will work with agents, consultants and directors of national oil companies as one team to complete the strategic plans and projects related to production increase to benefit from the oil reserves in the country.
“We will work together to complete projects related to gas investment, and transform it into clean energy that supplies gas-related industries,” Abdul Zahra stated.
“We will focus on preserving the environment and public health, activating projects to develop infrastructure for export ports, and increasing export capacities by accelerating projects to lay pipelines and develop storage and pumping stations and other facilities,” Abdul Zahra clarified.
Abdul Zahra stressed that the ministry is keen to provide a safe environment for foreign investments to develop oil and gas fields.
The new Oil Minister added that the ministry is also eager to strengthen Iraq’s role in OPEC and OPEC+, and expand the cooperation with neighboring countries to serve the common interests.
Abdul Zahra highlighted the necessity of the refining sector and to complete the projects related to developing the production units to reach self-sufficiency.
Abdul Zahra stressed the need to give the exploration and extraction sector more attention to enhance the hydrocarbon reserves.
The new Oil Minister added that the government supports energy projects and the ministry will overcome all obstacles to promote work, achieve planned goals, and create job opportunities for the Iraqis in accordance with the government program.