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Iraq is optimistic that it could soon be supplying crude oil to South Africa.
That's the word from Iraq's South African ambassador, D Hisham Al-Alawi, following a visit to the Bisho legislature in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
He says they've already met Energy Minister, Dipuo Peter, to discuss the possibility of an oil trade.
Al-Alawi says given the current debate about alternative options because of the sanctions on Iran, it makes sense for South Africa to think of Iraq as a crude oil supplier.
"There are very valid reasons why we try to explore the potential for collaboration between South Africa and Iraq when it comes to energy in general and supply of crude in particular," he said.
"Historically, Iraq did provide South Africa with some crude oil in the past. Given the significant increase in our production capacity it is in the interest of Iraq to look for new markets," he added.
Iraqi ambassador Dr Al Alawi and Eastern Cape legislature speaker, Fikile Xasa
