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Iraqi ambassador Arshad Ismayil Omar: We want Azerbaijani companies to operate in various sectors of Iraqâ€™s economy

31 January 2008 14:15 (UTC +04:00)

Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Iraq to Azerbaijan Arshad Ismayil Omar interviewed by APA

-How will the appointment of Azerbaijani ambassador to Iraq influence the development of the relations between the two countries?
-We assess this appointment as a great step and are grateful to Azerbaijani leadership. This is a very splendid event. We hope the embassy will be based in Iraq in future. Iraqi government regards it as a great event, we want other states to appoint ambassadors to Iraq. Iraq established its diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan long ago, Iraq had consulate general in Baku during Soviet leadership.
-Does the internal situation in Iraq allow establishing and improving bilateral relations?
-We have relations with other countries, especially with the countries bordering on Iraq, intergovernmental protocols have been signed. Iraq and Azerbaijan will sign one more protocol on cooperation in the sphere of economy and other spheres. The document has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.
-In what spheres do Iraq and Azerbaijan have opportunities to cooperate?
-There are opportunities for economic cooperation, particularly in oil sector, as both countries produce oil. Azerbaijanâ€™s Oil Academy can assist Iraq in this field. A lot of Iraqis studied in this higher school during Soviet leadership. 24 studied in the academy through Russiaâ€™s LUKoil company some years ago, but they had to continue their education in Moscow, because of housing problems. But 42 Iraqis study in Azerbaijan Medical University at present.
-LUKoil has already restored operating in Iraq. Has the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) expressed its wish to operate in Iraq?
-LUKoil started operating in Iraq in the reign of Saddam Hussein, implemented a number of projects and has restored operation again. I have met with SOCAR officials and invited them to operate in Iraq. We would like Azerbaijani companies to operate not only in oil sector, but also in building, economic and other sectors. Turkey has 500-600 companies in Iraq at present. Iran, Jordan, Syria and Egypt have companies in Iraq. Some assume risk in connection with internal situation in Iraq, and some do not.
-When will Azerbaijani pilgrims be able to visit sacred places of Iraq?
-Pilgrims from many places of the world visit Kerbela and Najaf cities of Iraq. Iran and Iraq have an agreement for organizing such visits. 1500-2000 pilgrims came from Iran to Iraq every day last year, Iran wants to increase this figure by 5000. Pilgrims do not visit Iraq directly from Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijanis visit sacred places of Iraq through Iran. Iraqâ€™s Tourism Ministry is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijanâ€™s tourism agencies.
-How do you assess Azerbaijani peacekeeping forcesâ€™ activity in Iraq?
-We are grateful to Azerbaijan for the peacekeepersâ€™ participation in the peacemaking process. 150 Azerbaijani peacekeepers secure Haditha Dam in Al Anbar province. The place, where they have been deployed, is not dangerous. Nothing unpleasant has happened up to now, and will not happen, we hope. /APA/