operating in the country in the field of extraction Iraqi crude oil exports.

According to a statement issued by the minister's office, al-Zubaidi met yesterday with Michael Townsend, chief executive of the BP British company in the Middle East.

The statement added that Michael reviewed the company's performance in Iraq and the activities achieved by an increase in Iraqi oil production for the first time in 25 years as a result of the efforts made by the company.

For his part, according to the statement the minister ordered Iraqi ports company to provide legal facilities for the company through the development of ports to export Iraqi oil in order to increase production.