Russia invites Iraq to take part in inter-Syrian dialogue in Sochi

Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – Russian Ambassador in Baghdad Maxim Maximov has invited Iraq to take part in the inter-Syrian dialogue, scheduled to be held in Sochi, Russia, later this month.

During a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Maximov handed over a message from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, inviting Iraq to participate in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, which will be held on January 29-30.

The two sides discussed means of boosting bilateral relations in all fields and ways of achieving interests of the two friendly countries, Jaafari’s media office said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Alghad Press Monday.

Maximov also conveyed a suggestion by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to hold the seventh session of the joint Iraqi-Russian committee in Moscow soon to activate prospects of mutual cooperation at all levels.

Jaafari, for his part, stressed his country’s keenness on promoting relations with Russia in all fields.

Last month, Russia, Iran and Turkey agreed to convene the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi on January 29-30. The forum is expected to bring an end or significantly reduce fierce clashes in Syria although the United Nations insists that the initiative should not circumvent efforts led by the world body for reaching a political solution in Syria.

The gathering will be attended by representatives of the Syrian government and various opposition groups.