Iraq seeks to become global energy production hub, prime minister says

Iraq aims to become a global hub for energy production and use its capabilities to strengthen regional and international security and stability, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Friday.

Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, al-Zaidi said Baghdad wanted to harness Iraq’s energy potential in support of sustainable security and stability. Anadolu Agency reported on his remarks.

He expressed concern about disruptions affecting transport and maritime navigation, saying they were contributing to higher global energy prices.

Iraq plans new energy routes

To reduce those risks and their impact, Iraq is working to diversify its oil export outlets and develop energy routes connecting the country with Türkiye, Jordan and Syria, with access to global markets, al-Zaidi said.

He said the measures were intended to strengthen energy security and diversify supply routes.

Economic diversification through genuine partnerships is a central strategic objective of the government’s economic policy, the prime minister added.

Development Road project

Al-Zaidi described Iraq’s Development Road project as a comprehensive vision for regional integration and stability. He said it would become a strategic corridor for trade, investment, industry and energy.

The project is intended to connect the Grand Faw Port in southern Iraq with Türkiye and, ultimately, Europe.

Baghdad wants the corridor to be open to participation by all neighboring and friendly countries, al-Zaidi said, arguing that shared economic interests could help create prosperity.

Shift toward economic cooperation

Following the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, Baghdad is shifting its relations with strategic partners from military cooperation toward economic and development cooperation based on mutual interests, he said.

On domestic security, al-Zaidi said the state would retain exclusive authority over decisions on war and peace. Weapons and instruments of force, he added, must remain under the control of constitutional institutions.