The Iraqi News Agency ‘INA’ reported, quoting a statement from the media office of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, that ‘Al-Mashhadani received, at the Parliament building, the Russian Ambassador to Baghdad, Elbrus Kutrashev, and the accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji, members of the Security and Defense Committee, and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee.’ According to the statement, both sides affirmed ‘the elections will be held on the scheduled date and the importance of the Council of Representatives’ role in ensuring their success,’ emphasizing ‘the importance of continuing joint security coordination to enhance stability and serve common interests.’ Earlier on Tuesday, Shoigu met with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, where they discussed upcoming meetings in mid-October in Moscow. The Russian Security Council’s press office stated: ‘The Secretary of the Russian Security Council conveyed the greetings of the Russian President and confirmed Iraq’s participation in the upcoming Arab-Russian summit in October.’ Shoigu noted that the Russian side is giving priority to this matter. The Russian Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Tuesday for a working visit during which he will hold meetings with the country’s top political and military leadership. During these meetings, the Russian side is expected to confirm their intention to continue strengthening and expanding cooperation with the Iraqi side in the security field. According to the press office, in addition to current Russian-Iraqi issues, regional issues will be discussed in the talks in Baghdad.
