Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will outline opportunities for new business partnerships in the fuel and energy sector during a formal briefing tied to his state visit to Iraq, as announced by the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The discussion will concentrate on the current climate for investment and collaboration, outlining how evolving conditions could foster deeper ties between Russian energy entities and Iraqi partners.
The briefing notes that several significant ventures have already been realized in Iraq through major Russian energy companies, including PJSC Lukoil, PJSC Gazprom Neft, PJSC ANK Bashneft, and PJSC NK Rosneft. These efforts illustrate a shared commitment to advancing energy projects that align with Iraq’s development goals and Russia’s strategic interests in the region.
The Foreign Ministry also indicated that the talks will cover plans for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across additional sectors such as industry and agriculture, with an emphasis on practical steps to support joint growth, technology transfer, and supply chain resilience.
Lavrov is currently on a working visit to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, marking the first leg of a broader itinerary. The visit is expected to include meetings with senior Iraqi officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security, and long-term economic collaboration.
As part of the broader schedule, Lavrov is expected to visit other capitals including Sudan, Mali, and Mauritania, focusing on regional dialogue, economic partnerships, and shared initiatives in the energy and infrastructure arenas.
During the talks, the Russian foreign minister is slated to meet with Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Khalbousi, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to explore avenues for strengthened diplomatic and economic engagement.
The last visit by Russia’s top diplomat to Iraq occurred in 2019, underscoring the ongoing interest in building long-standing ties, fostering stability, and supporting Iraq’s energy sector modernization through collaboration with Russian industry leaders.