Sergei Shog is his first visit to Baghdad. He said Russia and Iraq have traditionally been “long-time partners” with friendly relations and that Russia intends to strengthen coordination with Iraq’s defense, security and intelligence reporting agencies.
“First of all, this has to do with the exchange of approaches and experiences in the realm of countering terrorism and extremism,” Shoigu said in a statement carried by Interfax.
He said that Russian-made military products have proven effective in the Iraqi situation and can be upgraded with the combat experience gained during Russia’s “special military operations.”
On regional issues, Shoigu highlighted Iraq’s “significant historical role” but warned that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate and threatens global stability.
He condemned Israel’s September 9 airstrikes in Doha as “a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter,” claiming that the attacks undermined Qatar’s mediation between Hamas and Israel.
He further stated that Moscow and Baghdad share Syrian views and recalls Baghdad’s quadrilateral adjustment centre, involving Russia, Iraq, Iran and Syria.
“The contacts are getting more intense and they are multi-directional. This has to do with business, economy and transportation. It has to do with military and military technical cooperation,” the shoemaker said in a brief conversation at Baghdad airport with Ali Nasser, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s deputy adviser for national security.
He noted that despite his brief preparations for his trip, the agenda is “very busy” and is directed towards constructive debate.
Nasser emphasizes the “very long historical relations” between Russia and Iraq, citing this as one of the reasons for the “struggling and fruitful dialogue.”
rhm/