Russian deputy FM, Iraqi PM's advisor discuss Syria in Moscow
MOSCOW. July 12 (Interfax) - The situation in Syria and support for Iraq's territorial integrity were discussed at a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa Mikhail Bogdanov and the Iraqi Prime Minister's National Security Advisor Faleh al-Fayad.
"At the talks the interlocutors exchanged opinions on pressing issues of the Middle East agenda, with a focus on the situation in Syria in the context of steps taken by that country's armed forces to regain control over the territories being liberated from militants of terrorist groups," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website.
"The Russian side confirmed its principled position in support of the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of a friendly Iraq," the ministry said.
"In light of the general parliamentary elections in that country on May 12 of this year, the parties stressed the importance of the rapid formation of a new government, taking into account the interests of all political forces and ethno-confessional groups in the country," it said.
Al-Fayad is on a working visit to Russia, and the meeting took place at the Foreign Ministry on Friday, the statement said.