UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has pledged the UK's support to help build Iraq's energy sector capacity, a sector that is vital to the country's economic development and reconstruction.

Mr Wicks was speaking from Iraq at the end of a two day visit, made at the invitation of Iraqi oil minister Shahristani. The visit included a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki in Baghdad and also a visit to the Kurdish Regional Government.

-- Advertisement --

Mr Wicks said: "Iraq's energy sector is fundamental to the country's reconstruction and economic development, as well as to raising the living standards of Iraqi people.

"I have met Minister Shahristani several times and am pleased to have been able to take him up on his offer to see for myself the energy challenges facing Iraq.

"The UK is particularly focused in Iraq on capacity building and the skills they need in the energy sector. The UK as a producer nation has a long history of skills and abilities in this sector and we are offering assistance where they have requested it."

(CD/JM)