• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi invites German companies to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq and suggests the possibility of exporting crude oil to Germany.
• Iraq aims to diversify its oil exports by potentially sending oil to Europe, including via a pipeline to Turkey and Syria, and through the Mediterranean to France.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expresses support for a strong and prosperous Iraq, highlighting the importance of good relations between Baghdad and the Kurds, as many German companies are already active in the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi, in Berlin for an official visit on Tuesday, invited German companies to take part in the reconstruction of his country.

He also floated the idea of exporting crude oil to Germany and building a pipeline to do so.

"German companies are welcome," al-Saidi said after a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "German firms, and other firms too, can operate stably in Iraq."

Iraq wants to export more oil to Europe

Iraq has abundant raw materials and a large workforce. "But it needs the technology and German expertise," al-Saidi said.

The partnership will not be one-sided, said al-Saidi, offering agreements on oil exports.

Due to its proximity, Iraq traditionally exports its oil to East Asia. But the current prime minister wants to diversify. There is a pipeline to Turkey and one to Syria. His country also would like to export oil via the Mediterranean to France.

"Our vision is to double what we can produce. We want to reach nine to 10 million barrels a day." Half of this should go to Europe and the West, the Iraqi prime minister said.

Both governments agreed on an action plan for the further development of their cooperation. "Germany has an interest in a strong and prosperous Iraq," said Merz.

This includes "good relations" between Baghdad and the Kurds in the north of the country. Many German companies are already active in Iraq. "They are developing new solutions, for example for energy supply; they are doing pioneering work in waste management; and they are boosting our trade."