DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Thursday emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Iraq and the International  Energy Agency (IEA) in the field of peaceful energy use.

In a meeting with IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol on the sidelines of the UN Climate Conference Summit (COP29), Rashid urged supporting Iraq in its efforts to revive its economy and benefit from its natural resources’ wealth.

“Enhancing cooperation with the IEA is crucial for Iraq’s long-term energy strategy and economic revitalization,” Rashid said, according to a statement from his office.

Birol expressed the IEA’s commitment to backing Iraq's initiatives and revealed plans for a visit to Iraq to further advance the partnership.

He said he was looking forward to “strengthening our coordination with Iraq’s relevant institutions,” stressing the agency’s dedication to helping Iraq harness its energy resources sustainably.

The UN climate summit is currently underway in the Azerbaijani capital Baku and is set to continue for two weeks.

On Wednesday, Rashid and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein inaugurated the Iraqi pavilion at the event, showcasing Iraq’s experience in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis on environmental, social, and economic levels. The pavilion also details Iraq’s national efforts to adapt to these pressing challenges.

This year’s COP29 discussions center on ways for wealthier nations to support developing countries in tackling climate challenges by providing financing and technical assistance. The goal is to help developing nations improve their resilience to climate change and mitigate its negative effects.