DUBAI/BAGHDAD, May 20 (RIA Novosti) – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki plans to discuss new arms contracts during an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iraqi parliamentarian Muhammad al-Akili told RIA Novosti.
“Iraq needs weaponry to combat terrorism, it needs new arms contracts. This question will be one of the most important issues discussed at al-Maliki’s meeting with Russia leader,” said al-Akili, a member of the State of Law ruling coalition led by al-Maliki.
According to al-Akili, Russian and Iraq already have an arms contract worth $4.3 billion.
“The implementation of the current agreement will be discussed, as well as possible future contracts,” he added.
The lawmaker said that the Iraqi prime minister will also negotiate arms supplies with the president of Iran and Chinese officials.
“We consider it reasonable to diversify the sources of arms supplies. We want to cooperate closely both with Russia, Iran and China,” he underlined.
Al-Akili said the prime minister also plans to discuss the results of Iraq’s recent parliamentary elections with Putin.
“It is highly important for us that Russia would cooperate with new Iraqi government, which will be formed after the parliamentary elections. We also need the general support of countries participating in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, we are interested in cooperation on different levels,” he said.
Last Friday, Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin will meet with the Iraqi prime minister during his visit to China on May 20-21. The Russian leader is also expected to meet with the presidents of Afghanistan and Mongolia.
Putin arrived on an official visit to China earlier Tuesday to cement economic ties with the country and take part in the opening of joint military exercises and a summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. The Iraqi prime minister is also attending the events.
