Britain's prime minister, Gordon Brown, is hopeful of developing a strong partnership with Iraq based on training and the protection of oil supplies.

Speaking following talks with Iraq's prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, Mr Brown said that the UK is looking to play a role in training and development within Iraq.

"We hope to sign an agreement with the Iraqi government about the future role that we can play in training and in protecting the oil supplies of Iraq," he said, adding that such an agreement would be between the countries' governments rather than through a United Nations resolution.

Iraq is home to the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and the country is now keen to task international oil companies with the project of developing fields for the extraction of these reserves.

Indeed, the Associated Press, citing an unnamed senior Iraqi official, states that Royal Dutch Shell is close to finalising a deal to tap natural gas reserves in southern Iraq.

Written by Neil Burton

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq