Russia calls for boosting economic cooperation with Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Russia called on Wednesday for boosting economic cooperation with Iraq, mainly in oil and gas field. “Russia aims to strengthen Iraqi-Russian ties after the significant improvement of the security and economic situation in the country,” a visiting Russian official said at a press conference on Wednesday after a meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He said that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent an official invitation to al-Maliki to visit Russia, who welcomed the invitation and said that he will visit Moscow after the local elections. “Iraq will widen its relations with European countries, including Russia after the stabilization of security condition,” he added. The Russian delegation discussed with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki the latest political developments in Iraq. SH (P) 1