‘India-Iraq ties to be of equity partners’
President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that India is looking forward to further strengthening its relations with Iraq as an “equity” partner in oil exploration and petrochemicals.
He told Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamil al-Maliki, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, that India cherishes its cordial and friendly relations with Iraq.
“Iraq has become India’s second largest crude oil supplier. This is a mutually beneficial partnership. India desires to elevate the relationship from a buyer-seller one into a broad-based one with equity partnership in oil production, joint ventures in oil exploration, petrochemical complexes, fertiliser plants, among others,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said, quoting the President.
Mr Mukherjee said, “different MoUs to be signed during the Iraqi PM’s visit will establish the institutional framework to enhance cooperation between the two countries.” The President also said India has been a committed partner in Iraq’s progress and development and will remain so as Iraq undertakes its re-construction and rebuilding efforts.
The President said relations between the two countries date back to the Mesopotamian civilisation. “The two countries have historical ties starting from the great Mesopotamian civilisation and thousands of Indians undertake annual pilgrimage to the holy shrines of Najaf and Karbala. With the emergence of democracy in Iraq, relations between the two countries are entering a new phase,” he said.
The Iraqi PM said the partnership between the two countries is mutually beneficial as India needs energy and Iraq needs investment to generate employment for its people.
“The Iraqi Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President’s words and said India and Iraq are two friendly countries seeking to strengthen their relations and maintain a high level of contacts,” the statement added.
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