Sudani, Russian deputy FM discuss bilateral ties, regional stability

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Wednesday received Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikhail Bogdanov in Baghdad to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. According to the prime minister's office, the talks focused on 'regional and international developments" and efforts aimed at strengthening stability in the region.
Russia emerged as a key regional powerhouse following its backing of neighboring Syria's former President Bashar al-Assad. The latter tactic contributed to enhancing Moscow's influence in the Middle East. Russia also maintains amicable ties with Iran, another important player in Iraqi politics. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly strained Russia's military and economic resources, contributing to weakening of the Assad regime.
The Iraqi premier's office also stated that Sudani has given his 'initial approval' to attend an upcoming 'Arab-Russian summit' in Russia and reaffirmed his government's 'commitment to fostering stronger ties with Moscow and 'cooperation in multiple sectors.' Sudani also emphasized the importance of enhancing 'collaboration on the Development Road project and Russian initiatives concerning transit routes, to ensure shared benefits and the growth of common interests.'
The Development Road is an $18 billion project which will stretch from southern Iraq to the Turkish border, connecting the Persian Gulf with Turkey. It aims to enhance Iraq's geopolitical position, boost its economy and create thousands of jobs. Ultimately, the route is expected to link Iraq with the European Union via Turkey.
On his part, Bogdanov 'conveyed the greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin' and reaffirmed Moscow's 'keenness to activate bilateral agreements,' the Iraqi prime minister's office said. The Russian diplomat further confirmed his country's readiness for the tenth meeting of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee, which will oversee the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two nations.
Russia is a significant player in Iraq's oil and gas sector, with major companies such as Lukoil, Gazprom Neft, and Rosneft operating in both the Kurdistan Region and southern Iraq. Diplomatic relations between Baghdad and Moscow were first established in 1944.

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