Russia is ready to strengthen military-technical cooperation with Iraq, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday during an official visit to Baghdad.
"We are ready to develop cooperation in other spheres, including the military-technical [sphere]," Lavrov said at a news conference in Baghdad.
The foreign minister also said that during his visit he would convey a message from President Dmitry Medvedev to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "Hopefully, it won't appear on Wikileaks," Lavrov said.
Lavrov's visit was expected to include discussions with Iraq's president and foreign minister on oil and arms supplies, as well as other issues.
"It is planned to discuss the possible participation of Russian companies in the realization of various projects in Iraq, including agriculture, water management, transport, exploration and other spheres," the Russian Foreign Ministry said ahead of the trip.
The talks will also focus on the wave of anti-government protests that has swept the Middle East and North Africa since the beginning of the year.
BAGHDAD, May 10 (RIA Novosti)
