Perhaps sensing that his allies’ support for Iraq is weakening Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has flown to Moscow to try and renew the two countries
Perhaps sensing that his allies’ support for Iraq is weakening Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has flown to Moscow to try and renew the two countries previously warm relationship.
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Immediately before he went in for talks with President Vladimir Putin Russia’s foreign minister announced Moscow was ready to resume arms sales to Baghdad.
Beyond expanding military co-operation al-Abadi is hoping the two oil exporters will find common economic cause, as well.
“We hope todays visit will help further the support and cooperation in the fight against terrorism not only in Iraq, but in the whole region,” he said.
Vladimir Putin appears willing to step in, not only with military and other aid, but also by investing. He said Russian companies were discussing investments worth “billions of dollars”.
“Iraq is a long-standing and reliable partner for us in the region. And notwithstanding problems in the world`s economy and problems in the regions, our relations are developing very successfully,” said Putin.
Russia’s Lukoil already operates a number of oil fields in Basra, and Russian companies were involved in Iraq for decades during the rule of Saddam Hussein. Russia opposed the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq.