May 10, 2011Maliki: It is time for new stage of Iraqi-Russian relations
Baghdad (NINA) - Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said that the time has come for the start of a new stage of Iraqi-Russian relations in all areas in service of the interests of both countries and peoples.
The statement quoted Maliki, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as calling for expanding the political and diplomatic relations between the two countries in international forums, and activating the work of the Joint Commission, noting that relations between Iraq and Russia are very deep.
He renewed the call for Russian companies to work and invest in Iraq, stressing that all the conditions are ripe for their work in Iraq.
For his part, Lavrov said "the relations with Iraq is a priority in our policy in the region over the long term, Russia strongly supports the Iraqi government's efforts in strengthening security and stability in various areas, and declare our readiness for military cooperation and the arming of the Iraqi army, we will also work on activating the work of the Joint Committee and the expansion of cooperation in the industrial and agricultural fields.”
Lavrov handed Maliki a written letter from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on strengthening relations between the two countries.
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