Iraq eyes improved ties with Putin’s Russia

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD

Iraqi President Fuad Masum on Tuesday said his country was looking forward to improved ties with Russia “in the interests of both countries”.

In a congratulatory message to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the latter’s reelection, Masum said Iraq was keen to continue “enhancing cooperation and friendship between the two countries… with a view to bolstering global peace and security”.

Putin scored a record 77 percent of the vote in Russia’s presidential polls on Sunday, handily winning a new six-year term.

Since 1999, Putin -- a former KGB officer -- has ruled Russia as either president or premier.

In February, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announced plans to purchase a Russian S-400 missile-defense system as part of his country’s efforts to rebuild its defensive capability following a crippling three-year war against the Daesh terrorist group.

Washington, however, has warned Baghdad that Iraq could become the target of U.S. sanctions if it purchases the Russian missile system.

Iraq recently received a batch of Russian T-90 combat tanks as part of a purchase agreement signed two years ago.

Baghdad used to rely heavily on Russia for weapons procurement but shifted to U.S. arms manufacturers following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.