Salih and Russia’s Lavrov discuss investment in Iraq
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s President Barham Salih met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Dialogues forum in Rome on Friday.
“Best regards from President Putin,” Lavrov told Salih when chatting in front of the cameras.
He congratulated Salih on his new position and the formation of the new government, saying he is “really very glad that this process has succeeded, unlike in some other countries.”
“Iraq is a fascinating place – a lot of challenges, but somehow bumps along, moves along, which is good,” Salih responded.
In their meeting, also attended by Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim, they discussed developing relations between their countries, especially Russian companies doing business in Iraq, according to a statement from Hakim’s office.
Iraq plans to launch a reconstruction agency to attract Iraqi and international investment in major infrastructure projects like a deep port in Basra, railways, highways, airports, and industrial development, Salih announced in his keynote speech at the Rome forum on Thursday.
Russia’s oil and gas giant Rosneft has significant interests in the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector and part ownership of the pipeline that is now exporting small amounts of Kirkuk oil.
“Best regards from President Putin,” Lavrov told Salih when chatting in front of the cameras.
He congratulated Salih on his new position and the formation of the new government, saying he is “really very glad that this process has succeeded, unlike in some other countries.”
“Iraq is a fascinating place – a lot of challenges, but somehow bumps along, moves along, which is good,” Salih responded.
Sergey #Lavrov met with the President of Iraq Barham Salih in Rome@IraqiGovt @RusEmbassyIraq pic.twitter.com/ljvsKFEGSG
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) November 23, 2018
In their meeting, also attended by Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim, they discussed developing relations between their countries, especially Russian companies doing business in Iraq, according to a statement from Hakim’s office.
Iraq plans to launch a reconstruction agency to attract Iraqi and international investment in major infrastructure projects like a deep port in Basra, railways, highways, airports, and industrial development, Salih announced in his keynote speech at the Rome forum on Thursday.
Russia’s oil and gas giant Rosneft has significant interests in the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector and part ownership of the pipeline that is now exporting small amounts of Kirkuk oil.