A Written Message From Putin To Maliki On Ways To Develop Bilateral Relations

BAGHDAD / NINA / Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the efforts of outgoing Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, to promote the Iraqi state in and expand friendly relations between Iraq and the Federal Republic of Russia. A statement by Maliki's office cited that: "The outgoing Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki received a written message from Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations between Baghdad and Moscow and ways of developing them in all fields." Putin said, addressing al-Maliki in his letter,: "You have achieved, when you are presiding over the Government of Iraq in a very difficult period, much to solve the pressing issues of the post-conflict reconstruction of the country and its development socially and economically, adding that we evaluate highly your efforts to establish fruitful cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Iraq in various fields." Putin continued, according to the statement: that the responsible step you have taken for the national reconciliation is a step deserves respect, and I am confident that you will continue your work in order to strengthen the state in Iraq and expand the ties of friendship between our two countries. "/ end