FM: Iraq Enjoys Good Relations With Moscow And Kiev And Its Position Is Firm In Calling For A Ceasefire

Baghdad /NINA/- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein stressed: "Iraq enjoys good relations with Moscow and Kiev, and its position has been consistent since the beginning of the crisis, calling for a ceasefire."

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The work of the tenth session of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee was held in Baghdad today, Wednesday, and the Iraqi side was headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, while the Russian side was headed by the Minister of Energy, Sergei Seviliev."

Hussein stressed the importance of the strong historical relations between Iraq and the Russian Federation, noting that these relations have gone through different stages as a result of the circumstances witnessed by the two countries, explaining: "The Iraqi delegation participating in the joint committee includes representatives from various ministries and sectors, which enhances the prospects for discussions and expands the scope of joint cooperation."

For his part, the Russian Minister of Energy expressed his thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for organizing the work of the tenth session of the committee, stressing the strength of relations between the two countries and the convergence of their positions on many international issues.

Sergei Seviliev also extended an invitation to Iraq to attend a group of conferences scheduled to be held in Russia, while Fuad Hussein expressed Iraq's readiness to coordinate with the Russian side regarding participation in these events.

The Foreign Minister pointed out, according to the statement, that Iraq is about to host many international events, including the Arab Summit, stressing the importance of cooperation with Russia in various fields, such as the health sector and various industries, to enhance bilateral relations.

The committee's work witnessed the signing of the minutes of the tenth session of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, in addition to the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, most notably: 
• Maritime Transport Agreement between the Ministries of Transport in the two countries. 
• Memorandum of Understanding for Health Cooperation between the Iraqi and Russian Ministries of Health. 
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Russian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 
• Protocol of Understanding between the Russian company "Gazprom" and the Iraqi Central Oil Company.

In the expanded session of the joint committee, Fuad Hussein stressed: "Iraqi-Russian relations are rooted in Iraqi politics and society," noting that Iraq has enjoyed good relations with both Moscow and Kiev, and that its position has been consistent since the beginning of the crisis, calling for a ceasefire and hoping to achieve this as soon as possible.

For his part, the Russian Minister of Energy described the meeting as an important turning point in the course of bilateral relations, expressing his country's pride in cooperating with Iraq to enhance the partnership between the two sides.

The committee's work concluded with a joint press conference between the two ministers, during which Fuad Hussein stressed the strength of Iraqi-Russian relations and the need to develop them in various fields, especially in the oil and gas sectors.

Hussein pointed out that major Russian companies are investing in the Iraqi oil sector with approximately $19 billion, and that the meeting also addressed the issue of exporting oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to Turkey, in addition to discussing international and regional developments.

For his part, the Russian Minister of Energy confirmed the existence of other agreements under study, praising the positive results achieved after a round of fruitful discussions between the two sides./End