Department of Energy Iraqi Ministry of Oil

Department of Energy and Iraqi Ministry of Oil Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation

MOU Encourages Cooperation in Energy Analysis, Science and Technology and Energy Technology Demonstration

WASHINGTON, DC -- At the Second U.S.-Iraq Joint Economic Commission, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs Karen Harbert and Iraqi Ministry of Oil Director General for Economics and Finance Radwan Al-Sa’adi today signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation on Energy Analysis, Science and Technology, and Energy Technology Demonstration.

The non-legally binding MOU establishes a framework for formal consultations and cooperation on a broad range of energy, scientific, and environmental issues between the United States and the Republic of Iraq. Activities under the energy partnership will support the rehabilitation and expansion of Iraq’s energy infrastructure, which will be critical to advancing Iraq’s medium- and long-term economic development goals.

Initially, the joint cooperative program, which will involve other U.S. and Iraqi agencies, will focus on regulatory, technical, and financial advisory assistance that will help to strengthen capacities in Iraqi institutions, and promote advanced energy technologies and techniques.

“The MOU and the informative energy dialogue that we held on December 17th at the Department of Energy will be an invaluable consultative mechanism for developing and implementing an effective energy program," Assistant Secretary Harbert said. "We believe that the joint energy program will help to advance shared objectives of promoting a stable, economically vibrant democracy in Iraq and enhancing regional and international energy cooperation.”

Media contacts:
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Source: DOE
Number: R-04-372