JORDAN TO PROVIDE IRAQ WITH ELECTRICITY UNDER AN EXECUTIVE PROGRAM, SAYS ENERGY MINISTER

Jordan and Iraq on Thursday agreed on a timetable for implementing the Jordanian-Iraqi connectivity program of the electric power system to provide the Iraqi side with electricity from the Jordanian network by the end of 2021.

During a meeting of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Hala Zawati, with Iraqi Electricity Minister, Lowai Khatib, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them to serve the interests of both countries and peoples, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The first phase of the project includes the implementation of a high-voltage transmission line connecting the eastern region of Jordan (Al-Risha) with the western region of Iraq (Al-Qaim) with a length of 300 kilometers and an estimated cost of 140 million dollars, the statement quoted Zawati as saying.

The two sides have agreed on identifying each party's liability to establish, own and manage a part of the project within its borders, as each will bear the cost of establishing the project's facilities located within its territory, Zawati pointed out.

According to Zawati, the two sides agreed to complete the technical and economic studies required for the implementation of the second phase of the synchronic, electric grid between the two countries, which requires the completion of internal networks inside Jordan and Iraq and strengthening the transfer capabilities, slated to be concluded by 2015.

The Jordanian and Iraqi sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the end of last December. The two sides agreed to study the implementation of the direct linkage between the two sides in terms of technical, economic, legal and commercial aspects.

On the other hand, the two sides discussed the mechanisms of providing electricity to the "border economic city" agreed by Jordan and Iraq in February.

Zawati stressed the importance of these projects in strengthening the Arab electric connection in a bid to achieve the common Arab market that contributes to realizing Arab integration and serving the Arab peoples.