Iraqi - Russian talks to strengthen relations

The Iraqi news agency has stated that the Iraqi deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz on Monday discussed with the special missions ambassador at the Russian foreign ministry Nicolai Kortzov " developments of conditions concerning Iraq and continued coordination between the two sides' to lift the sanctions.

The agency added that the meeting between Aziz and Kortzov dealt with bilateral relations between Iraq and Russia and means of developing them but without giving any details.

On Saturday, Kortzov discussed with the Iraqi foreign minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf "the remarkable relations between the two countries and means of developing and strengthening them in various fields."

The Iraqi news agency also quoted Kortzov as saying that "Russia is working seriously to find out an outlet to lift the embargo imposed on Iraq as soon as possible."