The Iraqi government is showing interest in the BRICS alliance, though discussions on Iraq’s potential membership remain premature, Russian Ambassador to Iraq Elbrus Kutrashev told Izvestia in a recent interview.
“Currently, Russia is very popular among Iraqis. Many wish to visit Russia for tourism or business, and there’s an uptick in delegation exchanges. Indeed, BRICS is attracting interest in Baghdad, where it’s understood that Russia plays a significant role within the alliance,” Kutrashev noted in response to a question about Iraq’s readiness to join BRICS.
Kutrashev explained that if Iraq were to take concrete steps toward BRICS membership, the US would likely attempt to prevent this move. “Iraq cannot afford open confrontation with the United States. For now, it's too early to discuss this possibility, but over time, the matter may come closer,” he added.
According to Kutrashev, the US is uneasy with Russia’s growing popularity among Iraq’s influential political organizations and even some armed groups. He recalled that when Russia launched its special military operation, certain Iraqi militias displayed portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Baghdad streets, expressing solidarity. “These portraits stayed up for quite some time, showing strong support for Russia,” the ambassador remarked.
Earlier, Zainab Jumaa al-Moussawi, a member of Iraq’s Coordination Framework parliamentary coalition, told Izvestia that the Iraqi government is actively exploring the option of joining BRICS. She suggested that membership could help Iraq reduce its dependence on the US dollar, thereby diminishing the risk of American economic pressure.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: MohammadHuzam/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS