Foreign Minister Mohamad A. Alhakim: We discussed prospects for economic cooperation and investment opportunities for Russian companies to participate in infrastructure projects and reconstruction

Foreign Minister Mr. Mohamad A. Alhakim received the Russian Foreign Minister Mr. Sergey Lavrov. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen and develop bilateral relations between Baghdad and Moscow in all fields, including: areas of a strategic and vital nature politically, economically, and commercially expressing keenness to exchange common interests.

Minister Alhakim expressed Iraq’s keenness to promote the historical relations between the two countries, calling for opening new prospects for cooperation pointing out that the Iraqi-Russian relations are witnessing a remarkable development and achieved success at the level of bilateral interests, praising the support provided by Russia to Iraq in the framework of training Iraqi diplomats, and the facilities provided by the Russian side for Iraqi students studying in Russia. The two Ministers also discussed facilitating the granting of entry visas to investors and businessmen.

Minister Alhakim stated “We discussed the prospects for economic cooperation and investment opportunities for Russian companies involved in infrastructure projects and reconstruction.” this came in a statement made by the two Ministers after the conclusion of bilateral talks

Both sides expressed the need to exert efforts to improve economic, trade and investment cooperation and increase the volume of trade exchange, and discussed increasing the efforts to develop cooperation and provide the necessary contribution by the Russian side in the rehabilitation of some productive sectors and reconstruction and construction of new infrastructure projects. During the meeting, the two Ministers gave great attention to exchanging views, consulting on developments in the region that are of common concern, and agreed to work to ensure stability through peaceful and comprehensive political solutions that ensure security and prevent the spread of terrorist groups.