Iraq needs to strengthen its ties with its neighbours and develop strong pillars for economic, political and scientific cooperation, a group of leading scientists has averred.

Speaking to Aswat al-Iraq, Ibrahim Khalil al-Alaf, president of Mosul University, said that now is the time to lay solid foundations with neigbouring countries to ensure lasting progress and prosperity in Iraq.

"Iraq has great opportunities to establish strategic relations with its neighbours," he insisted.

Tareq Mohammed Tayeb al-Qasar, a political sciences professor of Mosul University, added that Iraq's internal affairs and security will play a key role in laying the foundations of lasting regional partnerships.

The Iraqi oil ministry has been building ties with international energy companies in recent months with several invitations for tender on drilling licences in the oil-rich south of the country.

Applications have been judged on a number of factors, including investment in infrastructure and training of Iraqi workers.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq