Al-Maliki stresses the importance of expanding prospects of cooperation with Russia

Baghdad-INA  
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, stressed today, Monday, the importance of expanding the prospects of bilateral cooperation, strengthening the bonds of friendship, and activating the mechanisms of cooperation in various fields with Russia. 
The media office of the head of the State of Law Coalition said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received in his office the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev."
 
  "The two sides exchanged views and opinions on Russia's relations with Iraq and the mutual visits between officials of the two friendly countries. Regional and international developments and the repercussions of the ongoing changes in Syria were also reviewed."
 
According to the statement, the head of the State of Law Coalition stressed the importance of expanding the prospects of bilateral cooperation, strengthening friendship ties, and activating cooperation mechanisms in various fields, stressing the importance of the Russian role in supporting Iraq at the regional and international levels, stressing the need to continue joint coordination to serve the interests of the two peoples.
 
Al-Maliki referred to the "current changes in Syria," stressing "Baghdad's keenness to stabilize the situation in Damascus, and its support for the peaceful approach and the formation of an elected government that represents all components of the Syrian people to ensure its stability and prevent the recurrence of the conflicts and security crises that occurred in some countries of the region."
 
For his part, Kutrashev stressed "the depth of historical relations between Iraq and Russia," expressing "the readiness of the Russian Federation to support the joint sectors between the two countries, and to contribute effectively to achieving stability and development in Iraq."