During his visit to Iraq on February 5-6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will discuss building up partnerships, including in the fuel and energy sector. Other topics include bilateral cooperation in various fields, the situation in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf. The Russian ministry noted that Baghdad, under pressure, took a balanced position on the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
“In the context of unprecedented pressure from Western countries, the Iraqi side takes a balanced and balanced position regarding the special military operation being carried out by the armed forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine,” the statement says. comments Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. According to the agency, Iraq’s refusal to join the anti-Russian sanctions “confirms that our time-tested bilateral ties are not subject to market fluctuations against the background of changes in the geopolitical situation.”
As part of Mr. Lavrov’s trip to Iraq, the minister is scheduled to meet with President Abdellatif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani, Chairman of the Council of Representatives Mohammed Halbusi and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The main topics of the talks are called “the progressive development of multifaceted Russian-Iraqi ties, including the expansion of political dialogue, the intensification of trade and economic, military-technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.” It is noted that according to the results of 11 months of 2022, the trade turnover between Russia and Iraq increased by 47.5% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Mr. Lavrov will raise the issue of building up business cooperation in the fuel and energy sector. As the Russian ministry draws attention, major projects are being implemented in Iraq through LUKOIL, Gazprom Neft, Bashneft and Rosneft.
It is also planned to discuss “the prospects for the development of the situation in Iraq itself, primarily in the context of the formation of a new coalition government of the country.” It is noted that Moscow will express support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to ensure stability in the country.
