Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Receives Russia’s Ambassador to Baghdad

On 17 November 2024, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aloolum, received the Russian Ambassador to Iraq Mr. Elbrus Kutrashev, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.

The two sides discussed ways to develop bilateral relations between Iraq and Russia, and stressed the importance of expanding areas of joint cooperation, as well they affirmed the need to exchange official visits and convene the joint committee as soon as possible to enhance bilateral cooperation to serve mutual interests.

The meeting addressed a number of regional and international issues, as Undersecretary Aloolum clarified Iraq’s firm stance on the Russian-Ukrainian war, stressing Iraq’s neutrality since the beginning of the crisis, and its consistent call to adopt peaceful solutions and support all initiatives aimed at achieving a cease fire, and peace.

On the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, the two parties underlined that the ongoing escalation poses a serious threat to regional security and stability which requires urgent intervention by the international community to pressure for an immediate ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians, and comply with international humanitarian law.

Additionally, they highlighted the importance of facilitating the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to those affected, and providing basic needs for the civilian population in areas affected by the conflict, while stressing that the only solution to end this crisis is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.