By John Lee.
National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji met on Tuesday with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Russian Ambassador in Baghdad.
Al-Araji welcomed the visit, noting that Iraq is pursuing wider cooperation with all countries to serve mutual interests. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and continuing collaboration across multiple fields.
The meeting comes ahead of the expected talks between Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Arab Summit in Moscow, which will be chaired by al-Sudani.
Talks also covered the exchange of expertise, technology transfer, training in border security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and combating narcotics. Both sides discussed recent regional developments and efforts by their governments to halt the conflict in Gaza and seek diplomatic solutions.
Al-Araji emphasised Iraq's commitment to developing security, economic, strategic, and investment ties with Russia. Shoigu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated Russia's desire to enhance cooperation with Iraq in all areas.
In an interview the previous day with Russia's Interfax news agency, Shoigu emphasised that Russian-Iraqi trade increased by 30% over the past year and a further 35% in the first half of the current year. He added that Russian companies investment in Iraq has surpassed $20 billion.
Russia and Iraq maintain regular contact between their defense, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, he said, adding that Russia is open to strengthening military-technical cooperation.
Full Interfax interview here (Russian)
(Sources: Office of the National Security Advisor, Interfax)
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