Turkish Energy Minister , Taner Yildiz said in an interview after returning from the United States with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan briefed by “Shafaq News” , said that “ his country looks forward to sign commercial contracts this year with Russian and American companies operate in northern Iraq for the joint exploration for oil and gas”.

Yildiz added that “ it is likely to work with Russian and U.S. companies north of Iraq as part of various projects such as drilling for oil and gas,”  noting that “it is expected  in the current year for state-owned companies and private companies to sign commercial contracts with northern Iraq”.

It is noted that U.S. President , Barack Obama met Erdogan and a delegation that included Turkish Energy Minister in Washington, where Turkey plans to strengthen cooperation in the energy field with Kurdistan at the top of the agenda.

Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a few days ago in a press statement, the participation of Turkish oil companies in oil projects in Kurdistan region , adding that the other partner would be in addition to the Kurdistan Regional Government, which is Exxon Mobil Corporation of America.

Erdogan said earlier prior his departure to the United States, that “there is ready agreement for a Turkish company to become a partner with Exxon Mobil and Kurdistan Regional Government”.