Iraqi Prime Minister Says Came to Russia Against Advice of ‘Certain Forces’

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi said Thursday he came to Russia although “certain forces” tried to talk him out of the visit.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Abadi said that Iraq highly values relations with Russia and considers them full of opportunities.

"We arrived to Russia despite advice by certain forces to reject this invitation. Nevertheless, we aim to develop our ties in all spheres, including defense and economic cooperation as well as joint efforts in the oil and gas industry."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister of Iraq Haidar Abadi will discuss issues including military-technical cooperation and the situation in the Middle East in Moscow on Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

"Military-technical cooperation is on the agenda. Of course, these particular issues of bilateral cooperation will be discussed in the first place, and, of course, it is a good opportunity to exchange views on the situation in the region. The situation is very turbulent, causing concern, and of course this will be discussed," Peskov told reporters.

Trade turnover between the two countries is growing and cooperation is gradually resuming, in particular through the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation. Peskov stressed that Moscow and Baghdad are collaborating in the field of energy, adding that many companies in Russia, especially LUKoil, have projects in the Middle Eastern country.

No bilateral agreements between Russia and Iraq are planned to be signed during Abadi's Moscow visit, the Kremlin spokesperson added.