Iraq Development Program - Russian business seeks greater share in Iraq reconstruction effort

Russian business seeks greater share in Iraq reconstruction effort (25/03/08) Russian companies are prepared to become more closely involved in the reconstruction and modernization of Iraq's economy, primarily in the energy and oil and gas sectors, the Russian president said.

		"Our companies are ready to increase their contribution to the reconstruction and modernization of Iraq's economic infrastructure, primarily in the energy and oil and gas spheres, where we have accumulated extensive experience," Vladimir Putin said in a message to Iraq's prime minister. He mentioned a contract to develop the second stage of the West Qurna-2 oil field and a project to modernize the Kirkuk-Banias oil pipeline as the most promising areas of Russian business participation.
"I am expecting that Russian businesses' proactive mood will be matched by adequate support from the Iraqi leadership," the president said. He said the Iraqis possessed the ability to build a strong and independent state that would become an important factor in regional stability. The message was handed over to Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister A. V. Saltanov, who is also the president's special envoy to the Middle East. Source: EN

Russian business seeks greater share in Iraq reconstruction effort (25/03/08)