Iraq’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Abdul Karim Hashem Mustafa, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Cooperation and Eurasian Integration, Alexander Anatolyevich Pankin (pictured), to discuss mechanisms for facilitating trade and enhancing investment cooperation between the two countries.
According to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the meeting took place at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow and focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres.
The two sides reviewed preparations for the 11th session of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee, scheduled to be held in Moscow later this year. The ambassador noted that current trade volumes remain below potential and stressed the need to increase exchange through new agreements and memoranda of understanding, as well as activation of previously signed accords.
He also emphasised the importance of finalising a bilateral road transport agreement and establishing practical mechanisms to facilitate visa issuance for Iraqi businesspeople travelling to Russia, in order to stimulate trade and investment flows.
Mustafa further called for follow-up on the outcomes of the 10th Joint Committee session, held in Baghdad in February 2025, to ensure implementation of agreed measures ahead of the upcoming round of talks.
The ambassador highlighted the positive role of Russian companies operating in Iraq, particularly in the energy sector, and renewed Iraq’s invitation for Russian firms to participate in strategic projects, including the Development Road project.
For his part, Deputy Minister Pankin affirmed Russia’s readiness to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with Iraq and to address obstacles that may impede progress, underscoring the importance of accelerating draft agreements for signature during the forthcoming Joint Committee meeting.
