The head of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi ambassador in Moscow discussed a wide range of matters in the context of developments in the Middle East.
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin met with Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iraq to the Russian Federation, at the latter’s request. The meeting was attended by Konstantin Basyuk, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security and Head of the Federation Council Cooperation Group with the Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq.
The conversation focused on developments in the Persian Gulf. “We call for a ceasefire in the Middle East and an end to the unprovoked aggression against Iran. It is important to prevent third countries from being drawn into the conflict and to ensure conditions for normalising relations between the Arab world and Iran,” the Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs said.
Grigory Karasin noted that Iraq is an important partner for Russia in the Middle East, a country with which it has traditionally maintained trust-based dialogue. “Senators advocate for intensifying contacts with Iraqi parliamentarians. The friendship group members are ready to step up this work.” The committee chair reaffirmed the legislators’ commitment to provide comprehensive support in order to strengthen Russian-Iraqi ties in the economy, culture, education and personnel training.
Grigory Karasin added that the 17th Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum International Economic Forum would take place in Kazan in mid-May. The senator invited the Iraqi ambassador to attend the forum.
Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa expressed support for expanding bilateral cooperation at all levels, emphasising his intention to facilitate contacts between Russian and Iraqi parliamentarians through diplomatic channels.