Bulgaria could supply electricity to Iraq
14 March 2011 News
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki while on an official visit to Iraq. The host has expressed his contentment with the visit as the two countries renew their relations after years of mutual familiarity.
"I would like to pay tribute to the victims of terrorism, and to state clearly that the efforts of the Iraqi Government are bearing fruits," said Nickolay Mladenov. Iraq is making confident progress along the road of democracy," said the Bulgarian minister, conveying Bulgaria’s willingness to assist the Iraqi reform process through expertise. Furthermore, Sofia is prepared to support Iraq within the EU.
During the meeting it was revealed that Iraq is ready to conclude a contract for the supply of any amount of electricity instantly. Nickolay Mladenov noted that he will respond to the desire for energy cooperation within the shortest time, proposing of Bulgarian Energy Minister Traicho Traikov and the Minister for Agriculture and Food Miroslav Naydenov a visit to Iraq. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister al-Shahristani said that an Iraqi delegation is ready to visit Bulgaria immediately to negotiate the purchase of electricity.
Iraq is willing to renew cooperation with Bulgaria in agriculture and irrigation with no delay.
Nickolay Mladenov said that Bulgaria hopes to open its embassy in Baghdad as soon as possible. In conclusion, Mladenov declared that he is optimistic about the relations between the two countries as they can serve as an example.