Russia pledges support in Iraq’s fight against terrorism

MOSCOW, April 6. /TASS/. Russia is ready to extend political and financial support to Iraq in its fight against terrorism in the interests of the country’s territorial integrity, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at talks with Iraqi Speaker Salim al-Jabouri on Monday. The Russian diplomat said a dialogue of the two countries was very intensive, adding that the two peoples were "equally interested in removing all obstacles to bilateral cooperation on all directions". Growing terrorist activity, including from Islamic State, was one of the major barriers, Lavrov said. "We confirm solidarity with the Iraqi people in fight against this evil and readiness to support you politically, morally and of course financially," he said. "Our position is invariable: we will keep doing all to help preserve independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq," the top diplomat said. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament thanked Russia for help in anti-terrorist fight, including military, technical and humanitarian assistance. "Our relations keep developing, we are aiming at strengthening cooperation on all directions," al-Jabouri said. Read more