Russia, Iraq discuss strengthening bilateral relations

Russia’s special envoy to the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, yesterday arrived in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad in an unannounced visit to discuss strengthening relations between the two countries, Anadolu Agency has reported.

In a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Adil Abdul Mahdi, Bogdanov conveyed a letter from the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, in which they called for “enhancing mutual relations between Russia and Iraq, especially in the fields of security and investment,” according to a statement by the Iraqi presidency.

During the meeting, Bogdanov congratulated Abdul Mahdi on the recent formation of the Iraqi government, stressing on Russia’s “multi-sectoral continuous support” to Baghdad.

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The meeting also discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, economy, trade, energy, and investment. The two officials were also reported to have discussed the recent developments in the Middle East region.

“Our [Iraqi] foreign policy is aimed at maintaining good relations with all countries,” Abdul Mahdi was quoted in the statement as saying. “We are keen on implementing this policy,” he stressed.

“Iraq is now in the process of recovering from a three-year conflict with Daesh,” the Iraqi Prime Minister pointed out, adding that his country “will play a more prominent role in the region.”

The Russian official invited Abdul Mahdi to visit Russia, while the latter invited Putin to visit Iraq.