Russian Oil Producers, Iraqi Partners Discuss Contract for Developing West Kurna-2 Field

Baghdad has hosted a meeting between three Russian companies, which are members of the consortium to develop the West Kurna-2 oil deposit, and the Iraqi side, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov reported.

During talks with the Iraqi Vice President, Taha Yassin Ramadan, and Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, the parties "touched upon the problem related to the fulfillment of the West Kurna-2 project". "We agreed that the consortium comprising Russia's LUKOIL, Zarubezhneft and Mashinoimport and the Iraqi party would hold a meeting of the joint managing committee. It will consider issues related to carrying out work under the project," Saltanov explained.

"A meeting in this format has already been held and we hope that talks will be on," he pointed out.

Early last month, Iraq announced its decision to break the contract with Russian companies for developing one of the country's largest oil deposits, West Kurna-2.

At the same time, during today's conversation with the Russian diplomat, the Iraqi Vice President said Iraq's relations with Russia had undergone no changes whatsoever. Baghdad still considers Moscow its strategic partner and gives priority to Russian companies, he said.