Russia Confirms Its Readiness To Increase Cooperation And Investment Opportunities For Its Companies In Iraq

BAGHDAD / NINA / The Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said, "Russia is looking to increase the volume of cooperation and investment opportunities for Russian companies in Iraq. Bogdanov said, during a meeting with Oil Minister Jabbar Ali Laibi in Baghdad, according to a statement of the Ministry of Oil, that "the Russian government is keen to activate the work of the Russian- Iraqi Committee and other technical committees to achieve common goals." For his part, Minister of Oil praised the depth of historical relations between Iraq and Russia and Russian companies in contributing the development of the oil industry in Iraq. According to the ministry statement, "the two sides agreed, during the meeting, on forming a ministerial committee to examine and approve future joint projects, especially in the field of gas investment that serve the interests of both countries and enhances the opportunities for cooperation." During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations in all fields, especially the oil and energy sector." The Russian delegation included head of oil and gas producers in the Russian Federation and director of Lukoil in Iraq and Iraqi Ambassador in the Russian Federation and the Russian ambassador in Baghdad. / End