From Baghdad to Moscow: Sergei Shoigu lays framework for Sudani–Putin meeting amid regional shifts

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday met with Russian Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, who visited Baghdad on a work visit.

According to a statement from Al-Sudani's office, the meeting addressed advancing Iraqi-Russian relations and expanding cooperation to benefit both countries.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation amid regional events and called on UN Security Council members to foster Middle East stability and address Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, warning that Israel's actions threaten broader security.

Shoigu also met with Iraq's National Security Advisor, Qasim Al-Araji, who reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening broad relations with Russia, in a meeting attended by the Russian ambassador to Baghdad.

Al-Araji’s office stated that Iraq aims for broad engagement with all countries to serve mutual interests, welcoming the Russian delegation.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming summit between Al-Sudani and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place alongside the Arab Summit in Moscow, and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Discussions prioritised strengthening security, technology, and training partnerships, with an emphasis on diplomatic solutions for the Gaza Strip.

Al-Araji reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to deeper cooperation with Russia. Shoigu expressed appreciation for the reception and interest in expanding bilateral ties.

According to the Russian News Agency (TASS), relations between Moscow and Baghdad are developing. 

"Contacts are becoming more intense and multidirectional. This concerns business, economy, and transport, military and military-technical cooperation," he was quoted as saying by the agency. 

"Despite the short timeframe for preparing this visit, it is very busy. I hope that the entire program that we planned will be implemented. We have a lot to discuss. I hope that today there will be a good, constructive conversation," Shoigu added.

Ivan Bocharov, Program Manager at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), told The New Arab, "This is a working visit aimed at 'comparing notes' and exploring opportunities for developing cooperation in the field of security. At this stage, we are not talking about specific public agreements, but it is quite possible that this visit is precisely needed in order to align the positions of the two countries and compare how they see the future of military cooperation between Russia and Iraq."

He also stated that this aligns with the logic of both countries' foreign policies. 

"On the one hand, Russia is seeking new opportunities for cooperation in the context of a challenging military-political situation; on the other hand, Iraq is attempting to diversify its foreign policy and relations with extra-regional actors. Security contacts reinforce this trend. Moreover, Shoigu touched on issues not only related to military-technical cooperation and counterterrorism, but also to business. This means that there are opportunities, for example, to launch joint weapons production," he clarified.

In terms of possible weapon purchases from Russia, Bocharov said that Iraq is interested in strengthening its security, including through the acquisition of Russian weapons. 

"However, this is constrained by two factors. First, Russia is currently concentrating its resources on the European direction, which limits Russian arms exports. Second, the potential risks of sanctions and possible reactions from the United States serve as a deterrent for Iraq in purchasing weapons," he concluded.