BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 18 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, met on Monday, with a Russian delegation to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments, a statement by Mahdi’s office said.
During his meeting with the Russian delegation headed by Alexander Lavrentiev, President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for Syria, they discussed the situation in Syria and the crisis between the United States and Iran, the statement said.
“The Iraqi-Russian relations are important and should be strengthened for the interest of the peoples of the two countries, as well as the region, in order to continue the fight against the Daesh,” Mahdi was quoted as saying.
He also underlined the importance of cooperation and understanding on various regional issues and urged more work, to spare the region the threat of terrorism and the escalation and war.
For his part, Lavrentiev expressed Russia’s keenness to ensure Iraq’s participation in the Astana conference as an observer.
He also asserted the need for the cooperation of neighbouring countries, to end the war, combat terrorism and eliminate the remnants of Daesh militants.
Lavrentiev’s visit came, amid escalating tension in the Middle East, as the United States has increased its military activities in the region recently, citing a threat of Iranian attack.– NNN-NINA