Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, Ali Saadi Waheeb, attended the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh on Monday, where he met with key international energy authorities and discussed ways to develop Iraq’s electrical industry and promote regional collaboration.
Waheeb attended the event with Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Basim Mohammed Khudair, as Saudi Arabia welcomed ministers, industry executives, and officials from international energy corporations to discuss energy security, investment, and technological innovation.
The visit comes amid heightened security concerns after the weekend’s fatal strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport by Yemen’s Houthis.
According to Saudi police, an assault on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, while another on Sunday killed one person and injured 11 others.
The attacks hampered airport operations as the monarchy continued its international energy meetings.
Waheeb accompanied Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for the opening of the congress exhibition, which displayed advances in energy technology, infrastructure, and investments.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Iraqi minister met with Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, to discuss extending collaboration on power infrastructure.
According to Bayraktar, the two nations have agreed to speed power interconnection lines and transmission projects, as well as increase bilateral investment to boost regional energy security.
In a statement on X, the Turkish Minister said that Ankara and Baghdad planned to expand their energy relationship beyond oil and gas to include the electricity sector.
Waheeb also spoke with Algeria’s Energy Minister, Mohamed Arkab, on technological cooperation, renewable energy, and potential for developing power generation, transmission, and distribution projects.
Waheeb met separately with Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Ali Hamid Al-Kharabsha, to explore ways to increase bilateral energy cooperation, exchange technical skills, and improve power infrastructure.
The young Iraqi Minister also attended the 16th meeting of the Arab Council of Ministers for power in Riyadh, where officials addressed regional power integration, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and increased collaboration among Arab nations.
Waheeb stated that Iraq was looking to use foreign experience and attract investment to upgrade its energy infrastructure, extend regional power connections, and enhance electricity supply.
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