Europe
10:53, 31-Jan-2019
Russia to boost support for anti-terrorism fight and economy in Iraq, says Lavrov
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Moscow is interested in actively assisting Baghdad in eliminating the terrorist presence and developing existing and opening new projects for economic cooperation in Iraq, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Ali Alhakim on Wednesday, TASS reported.
"We are pleased to note that the situation in Iraq has improved after most of the ISIL forces were defeated, though the task of eliminating the terrorist threat has not been accomplished in some parts of your country yet, so we are interested in actively assisting you in the matter," Lavrov said.
On the economic collaboration, the Russian top diplomat stressed his country's willingness to increase trade, economic and investment ties with Iraq.
Besides the cooperation on hydrocarbon production and processing, Lavrov noted that Russia also wants to promote projects in fields like electricity, agriculture, industry, and transport.
"All this will be considered in preparation for the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission," he added.
According to TASS, Lavrov accepted his Iraqi counterpart's invitation to visit the country.
Mohamed Ali Alhakim, in turn, pointed to long-standing historical ties between Baghdad and Moscow and Iraqi-Russian strategic partnership.
"Our diplomatic relations date back to 1944, so this year will mark their 75th anniversary," he said."We will be pleased if you visit Iraq in connection with the anniversary of our diplomatic relations so that we can hold various political and cultural events, particularly involving our embassies in Baghdad and Moscow,"