Iraq would like to see Russia’s political, military presence - vice president

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Iraq would like to see Russia’s political and military presence on its territory, visiting Iraqi Vice President Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday. "Historically, Russia has close relations with Iraq. That is why, we would like to see Russia’s visible presence in our country, both in terms of politics and defense," he said after a meeting with speaker of Russia’s Federation Council upper parliament house Valentina Matviyenko. "It would create balance the region, its nations and countries need." "Iraq wants to strengthen strategic cooperation in such areas as electricity generation, oil sector, research cooperation, university training, economy and trade, as well as political and military spheres," he said. Iraqi Vice President Nuri al-Maliki is on a working visit to Russia. Earlier in the day, he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Later in the day, he will go to Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg where he is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more