BAGHDAD, July 16: Iraq signed an initial deal with a Kuwait-led consortium on Monday and a contract was awarded to a Russia-led group to drill for energy, part of Baghdad’s efforts to strengthen its role as a major producer.

The two deals are among four that are in the process of being finalised with international firms to boost already-plentiful oil reserves and increase production of much-needed gas to help fill the country’s power shortfall.—AFP