June– 17- 2019


His Excellency Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi received this day Russian President's Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentiev and his accompanying delegation which includes Deputy Foreign Minister, a number of officials in the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs and the Russian charge d'affaires in Baghdad, they discussed the relations between the two countries in the economic fields and strengthen the capabilities of Iraqi forces, developments in Syria and stability, The ongoing preparations for Astana Conference, In addition, they discussed the regional situation and the current crisis between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
His Excellency Prime Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation for the positions of President Putin in supporting Iraq, and his pride in the development of relations and satisfaction with the common desire to expand in all areas, His Excellency confirmed that the Iraqi-Russian relations are important, influential and it should be strengthened for the benefit of the two countries, the two peoples, the region and for continuing fighting Daesh, Pointing out the importance of cooperation, understanding on various regional issues, working to avert the region form the threat of terrorism, the consequences of escalation, war and to achieve peace and stability for their peoples.
The Russian envoy conveyed the greetings of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and his wishes to Iraq, its government and people for further progress, stability and prosperity, the desire for continuous cooperation between the two friendly countries and the strengthening of the growing bilateral relations, his country's welcome of Iraq's returning to its role in the region strongly, the joint action between Iraq and Russia in the fight against terrorism and working to achieve stability in Syria and the whole region, Russia's interest in Iraq's participation in the Astana conference as an observer, And the need for cooperation of neighboring countries to end the state of war, the continuation of efforts to combat terrorism and eliminate Daesh remnants.
The meeting was attended by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Nizar al-Khairallah and a number of officials in the ministries of defense and foreign affairs and advisers.

Media Office of the Prime Minister
June – 17 – 2019