Russian deputy premier and Iraqi president discuss bilateral relations
BAGHDAD. Feb 11 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and Iraqi President Fuad Masum have discussed ways to further promote bilateral relations.
At the start of their meeting, Masum said that Iraq and Russia, and before that, the Soviet Union, have always had special relations.
"And, the fact that you have come here at the head of such a representative delegation confirms your interest in strengthening [relations with Iraq]," the president said.
Rogozin, for his part, spoke about the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, industry, agriculture, transport and other areas.
"We are ready to work vigorously with you," he said.
The main part of the talks took place behind closed doors.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Rogozin presented the Iraqi president with a dagger, a gift from the Russian Military Industrial Commission Board, as well as an album of Iraq satellite images, taken by Russia's Earth remote sensing satellites. Masum studied the images with interest.