Meeting with President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid

President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid (retranslated): Mr President, I am delighted to see you.

As you know, relations between Iraq and the Soviet Union, and later between Iraq and Russia, are long-standing. We share a rich history of cooperation across a wide range of areas - industry, the economy, trade, and humanitarian affairs.

A large number of Iraqi engineers have completed their training at Russian universities. The number of visits between our countries is also increasing.

We have now reached a stage where additional efforts must be made to give new impetus to these relations and interactions.

As you are aware, major developments are taking place in the Middle East. I am referring to the challenges many countries in the region are facing in political and security matters. Therefore, we advocate strengthening political coordination between our two states.

Mr President, we are also in need of the technologies that are rapidly advancing in the Russian Federation. We seek your support in this area, particularly in mechanical engineering, infrastructure development, and agriculture, areas in which previously we used to cooperate in. We need even deeper engagement with your country.

If possible, I would like to visit the Russian Federation and meet with you. I would then take along a large delegation, including ministers and other representatives of Iraqi society.

Vladimir Putin: Mr President!

We have already discussed this matter. You have a standing invitation to visit Russia, and we will be glad to welcome you at any time convenient for you. We will coordinate this through the Foreign Ministry.

I fully agree with you: our relations are deep and long-standing. And throughout their entire history, there has never been a dark moment.

Despite all the turbulent events in the region and in your country, we have, curious as it may appear, always maintained very good relations. They remain so today. In general, we enjoy positive economic cooperation. Many of our companies are working with you and are showing interest in further collaboration.

Our relations are diversifying and becoming more diversified, and we are set to continue working together in this direction.

I also agree with you that the situation in the region requires our constant consultations [and our close attention]. I want to emphasise that we have always supported Iraq's territorial integrity and the Iraqi leadership's efforts to stabilise [the situation]. Rest assured, this position is fundamental for us.

Let me conclude by returning to what I have said at the beginning: we are pleased to welcome you to Russia. I want to reiterate that this invitation is official.

We can also always stay in touch by phone. Thus we will maintain contact.

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