OREANDA-NEWS. April 10, 2009. The main emphasis at the meeting was on activating practical cooperation between the two countries and increasing Russian companies’ participation in carrying out major projects in the oil and gas industry, electricity sector, and other fields.

Stabilisation in Iraq and in the Persian Gulf region in general was also discussed, taking into account Russia’s concept for ensuring regional security.

Mr al-Maliki, who is making his first visit to Russia, came to Moscow at the invitation of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.