Iraqi president receives Putin's Middle East envoy

Iraqi President Fuad Masum yesterday received Russia’s special envoy to the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, a statement released by the presidency’s office revealed.

Masummet Bogdanov at the Peace Palace in Baghdad and discussed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis and ways to strengthen the friendly relations between Iraq and Russia and expand cooperation in all political, military, economic, investment and oil fields.

The Iraqi president has also expressed his country’s desire to “further the contribution of Russian companies in the development of the agricultural and industrial sectors, especially the oil industry in Iraq.”

He called for all the necessary facilities for Russian investments in Iraq to be provided and encouraged them to bring cutting-edge expertise to support the Iraqi economy.

A member of the Security and Defence Committee in the Iraqi parliament, Iskander Watut, said that Russia is a strategic ally for Iraq in its war against Daesh and added that the two country’s military contracts are quick and successful unlike those with the US.

Russian aircrafts played a large role in defeating Daesh in a number of battles, he explained.

Russia has provided Iraq with dozens of helicopters as well as tanks and armoured vehicles, military equipment and various weapons.