Iraq and Russia consolidate economic ties

Iraq has consolidated relations with Russia over the past year, focusing on investment in the energy and industrial sectors.

Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal, met with his counterpart yesterday on the sidelines of an international industrial exhibition in Russia. Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the industrial sector, particularly as the Iraqi government is keen on establishing special industrial zones.

Closer ties between Iraq and Russia began in February of last year, when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Baghdad accompanied by representatives of Russian oil and gas companies. In October 2023, PM Sudani visited Moscow and met with President Putin.