Russian ambassador: Iraq continues to prefer Russian weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Russia's Ambassador to Baghdad, Elbrus Kutrashev, said Iraq remains a key partner for Russia and continues to prefer Russian weapons in its military-technical cooperation, speaking Wednesday evening at a ceremony in Baghdad marking the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazism, held at the Al-Rashid Hotel. Kutrashev said there have been external efforts to impede the development of bilateral relations. He added that Russian companies have proven themselves as a reliable partner in Iraq's oil and gas sector, and noted that Russia supported Iraq's pursuit of independence after 2003 and stood with Iraqis in the fight against ISIS. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ambassador said Baghdad has maintained a neutral and friendly stance despite unprecedented external pressure, and that cultural and scientific cooperation is also expanding, with the Russian government allocating 330 scholarships for Iraqi students. Faris Isa, a representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government, also attended the event and said the region has good relations with Russia and hopes to develop them further.