Turkey says it is involving Baghdad in Kurdistan energy deals – World Tribune: Window on the Real World

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ANKARA — Turkey has played down the prospect of expanded energy cooperation with Iraq’s Kurdistan.

Officials said Turkey has not yet completed energy agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Nechirvan Idris Barzani, head of Regional Government of Iraqi Kurdistan meet in Ankara on Nov. 27. /AP — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, right, and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani meet in Ankara on Nov. 27. /AP

They said Ankara sought to involve the Baghdad government, which opposes KRG deals with third countries.

The officials also said Baghdad tried to disrupt an energy conference in the Kurdistan capital of Irbil on Dec. 2.

“During Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani’s
visit to Ankara on Nov. 27, [Turkey and Kurdistan] agreed on some trade deals that are in line with the Iraqi constitution, regarding energy cooperation with KRG,” the Turkish foreign minister’s office said in a statement. “However, the related process has not yet been completed.”

Officials said Turkey wants to develop Kurdistan energy infrastructure
as well as become a leading hub for crude oil and natural gas.

Kurdistan Regional Government, Nechirvan Barzani, Recep Erdogan, Turkey says it is involving Baghdad in Kurdistan energy deals

Turkey says it is involving Baghdad in Kurdistan energy deals added by World Tribune on December 5, 2013
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