Al-Sudani, Russia’s Shoigu discuss bilateral relations, regional stability

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Sudani met Tuesday with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, to discuss Iraqi-Russian relations and regional developments.

Al-Sudani emphasized “the importance of cooperation and coordination amid the ongoing events and developments in the region,” adding that permanent members of the UN Security Council must help “consolidate security and stability in the Middle East and end the unjust war on Gaza.”

According to the statement, the former Russian defense minister stressed Russia’s “commitment and keenness to enhance bilateral relations with Iraq in all fields.”

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Tuesday, with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Mr. Sergei Shoigu.

The meeting reviewed the overall Iraqi-Russian relations and ways to develop and expand them across various fields to serve the interests of both friendly countries and peoples.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination amid the ongoing events and developments in the region, stressing the need for the permanent members of the UN Security Council to contribute to consolidating security and stability in the Middle East and ending the unjust war on Gaza. He pointed out that the practices and violations committed by the occupying entity threaten not only the region but also international peace and security.

For his part, Mr. Shoigu conveyed the greetings of the Russian President to the Prime Minister and affirmed Iraq’s participation in the upcoming Arab-Russian Summit scheduled for next month. He also stressed Russia’s commitment and keenness to enhance bilateral relations with Iraq in all fields.