Iraq-Russia 10th Joint Committee Meeting Convenes in Baghdad, Headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and the Russian Minister of Energy

The 10th meeting of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee was convened on Wednesday 26 February 2025 in Baghdad, The Iraqi side was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, and the Russian side was chaired by Minister of Energy Mr. Sergei Tsivliev.

Minister Hussein highlighted the strong historical ties between Iraq and the Russian Federation, noting that these ties have gone through different stages as a result of the circumstances of the two countries. As well the Minister outlined that the Iraqi delegation which is participating in the joint committee includes representatives from various ministries and sectors, which enhances the prospects for discussions and broadens joint cooperation.

On his part, the Russian Minister of Energy extended his thanks to Minister Hussein for organizing the Committee’s work and affirmed the strength of relations between the two countries and the convergence of their positions on many international issues, in addition the Russian Minister invited Iraq to attend a number of conferences scheduled to be held in Russia, as Minister Hussein expressed Iraq’s readiness to coordinate with the Russian side regarding participation in these events.

The Foreign Minister indicated that Iraq is going to host several international events, including the Arab Summit, and underlined the importance of cooperation with Russia across various areas such as the health sector and various industries to strengthen bilateral relations.

The committee’s work witnessed the signing of the minutes of the 10th meeting of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, in addition to the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, most notably:

• Maritime Transport Agreement between the Ministries of Transport of both countries.

• Memorandum of Understanding for Health Cooperation between the Iraqi and Russian Ministries of Health.

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Russian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

• Protocol of Understanding between the Russian company “Gazprom” and the Iraqi Midland Oil Company.

In the expanded meeting of the Joint Committee, Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that Iraqi-Russian relations has it roots in Iraqi politics and society, noting that Iraq has enjoyed good relations with both Moscow and Kiev, and its position has been consistent since the beginning of the crisis, calling for a ceasefire and hoping to achieve it as soon as possible.

On his part, the Russian Minister of Energy described the meeting as an important shift in the path of bilateral relations, expressing his country’s pride in cooperating with Iraq to enhance the partnership between the two sides.

The committee concluded it work with a joint press conference between the two ministers, in which Minister Fuad Hussein stressed the strength of Iraqi-Russian relations and the need to develop them across various areas, especially in the oil and gas sectors. Additionally the Foreign Minister indicated that major Russian companies are investing in the Iraqi oil sector with approximately $19 billion, and that the meeting also addressed the issue of exporting oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to Turkey, in addition to discussing international and regional developments.

On his part the Russian Minister of Energy confirmed that there are other agreements under consideration, commending the positive results achieved after a productive round of discussions between the two sides.