SAEDNEWS: Russia’s Security Council Secretary says Moscow is ready to expand military-technical cooperation with Iraq, stressing that defense ties will focus on counterterrorism and modernization of f previously supplied equipment.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu is on his first official working visit to Baghdad, underscoring the “long-standing partnership” between Russia and Iraq. During remarks carried by Interfax, Shoigu emphasized Moscow’s intent to enhance coordination with Iraq’s defense, security, and intelligence agencies.
"First of all, this concerns the coordination of approaches and exchange of experience in countering terrorism and extremism," Shoigu said, highlighting the priority of joint efforts against regional security threats.
He noted that Russian-made military products have proven effective under Iraq’s conditions, and suggested that these systems could be upgraded using combat experience gained during Russia’s “special military operation.”
Addressing regional developments, Shoigu praised Iraq’s important historical role while warning that instability in the Middle East continues to threaten global stability. He condemned Israel’s September 9 airstrikes in Doha, calling them a “gross violation of international law and the UN Charter” and claiming they undermined Qatar’s mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.
Shoigu further stressed that Moscow and Baghdad share perspectives on Syria, referencing the quadrilateral coordination center in Baghdad involving Russia, Iraq, Iran, and Syria.
During a brief conversation at Baghdad airport with Ali Nasser, deputy adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister for national security, Shoigu said: “Contacts are becoming more intense and multidirectional. This concerns business, economics, transport, and military-technical cooperation.”
Despite his short preparation time, Shoigu described his agenda as “very busy” and aimed at constructive discussions. Nasser also highlighted the “very long historical relations” between Russia and Iraq, citing this shared history as the foundation for an intense and fruitful dialogue.
