Zarubezhneft again expresses desire to return to projects in Iraq - Russian energy minister

BAGHDAD. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Russia has proposed to its Iraqi colleagues that they invite Zarubezhneft to participate in tenders for developing oil fields in the country, as the state-owned company maintains its interest in returning, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev told journalists following the Russian-Iraqi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, which he co-chairs.

"Today, we proposed that Zarubezhneft enter the market. It has significant advantages and was specifically created by the state for operations abroad. It has extensive experience in all these developments, so we suggested that our companies be actively involved in tenders [for developing oil fields in Iraq]. And that all tenders be open to Russian businesses," Tsivilev said.

Iraq was the first country where Zarubezhneft began its operations in 1967. The company participated in the development of the country's largest oil fields but was forced to leave after the war between Iraq and Kuwait in the early 1990s. After the political situation stabilized, Zarubezhneft repeatedly expressed its desire to return to Iraq.