Russia, Iraq mull deeper cooperation, joint fight against terrorism

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia's traditional friendship with Iraq and pledged to expand cooperation between the two countries in a host of areas including anti-terrorism when he met with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi here Thursday, according to the Kremlin press release.

"Despite all difficulties in global economy and in the (Middle East) region, our relations have been developing successfully enough," said Putin, who stressed Moscow and Baghdad have developed cooperation in both civilian and military-technical areas.

Russia has invested in Iraq "billions of dollars," and Russia- Iraq trade has been expanding at a modest level, said Putin, who stopped short of giving much details.

For his part, al-Abadi said Baghdad hopes that his visit to Moscow would boost relations between the two nations. "We would like it very much that the visit is to facilitate further support (from Russia), strengthen our cooperation in fighting terrorism not only in Iraq but across the whole region," he said.

Earlier in the day, al-Abadi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the Russian side vowing to "do its utmost to meet all possible needs of Iraq for armaments" in order to "ensure its defense capability and ability to fight against terrorist groups."

"We are ready to supply weapons to Iraq and we don't set any preconditions. Bear in mind that Iraq, Syria and Egypt are on the frontline of the fight against terrorism," Lavrov said. Endite