BASRA, Iraq -- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki underscored the need for energy cooperation with Basra on Friday, saying that Iran is currently drawing up a new road map for its relations with Iraq.

Following his meeting with officials of Basra, Mottaki briefed reporters on his visit to Iraq, noting that the Basra visit was an important part of his trip.
Basra is the second most important city in Iraq and should be considered an economic center, he added.
Iran is determined to expand relations with Iraq, especially commercial and political ties, he stated.
Mottaki said Iran-Iraq trade exchanges have increased by hundreds of millions of dollars over the past few years and called this a sign of the two countries’ intention to boost their economic ties.
The oil ministries of the two countries have signed an oil deal according to which Iraq will transfer crude oil to the Abadan refinery and then receive refined oil products, he added.
He went on to say that Tehran and Baghdad have agreed to jointly exploit some of their oil fields.
Iran’s cooperation with Iraq can include agricultural, energy, and housing projects, Mottaki noted.
“After returning to Tehran, based on the Basra governor’s inclination, I will inform Iranian investors of the great potential for investment in this city.”
Mottaki also said that Iran is pleased to see that Iraq’s internal affairs are being handed over to Iraqi officials