Putin expects Baghdad to support Russian energy companies
NOVO-OGARYOVO. Oct 10 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin said he hopes the Iraqi leadership will support Russian energy companies working in Iraq.
"Our trade is not large so far, but we have major promising projects. Our companies are expanding their operations in Iraq," Putin said in talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
"What I mean is an entire list of major Russian energy companies that have already evolved into international giants," he said. "I hope their work will expand steadily and I do count on your support," Putin told al-Maliki.
Putin said bilateral trade is subject to restrictions, "but if some of them were lifted, trade could expand at a faster pace," he said.
The restrictions apply to individual types of steel and to the registration of Russian company offices in Iraq, he added.
Humanitarian contacts are being maintained between Russia and Iraq, he said, noting that about 150 Iraqi students are receiving an education in Russia.
"We could make the first serious steps in military-technical cooperation," the Russian president said.
Putin proposed discussing the situation in the region and said Moscow welcomes successes scored by renewed Iraq.
