The oil minister of Iraq Hussein al-Shahristani has argued that Kurdish oil deals with foreign firms are still considered illegal, despite the recent approval of plans for the export of such oil through national pipelines.

According to the Xinhua news agency, Shahristani said that the deals between oil companies and the Kurdish regional government have not been authorised.

"Iraq's oil ministry considers the contracts signed by the Kurdish regional government with the international oil companies illegitimate and illegal," Shahristani said in an interview with Iraqi state-run television.

He added that all contracts signed on behalf of Iraq must be authorised by the central government.

Nonetheless, the crude exports are set to go ahead, with revenues said to benefit all Iraqi people, the Kurdish regional government claims.

The companies controlling the Kurdish fields which are to start exporting oil operate a number of programmes designed to benefit local communities through ongoing training and development, and infrastructure improvements.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq