Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani during his official visit to Moscow. This meeting will mark the first encounter between Putin and al-Sudani. The talks, which were prearranged, come at a time when the Middle East situation is of great concern. The discussions are expected to cover various aspects of Russian-Iraqi cooperation and address pressing international issues, with a particular focus on the recent escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, has announced that in addition to the formal talks, Putin and al-Sudani will also convene for a working breakfast. Furthermore, as part of his visit to Moscow, the Iraqi prime minister will participate in the plenary session of the "Russian Energy Week" forum, which will be attented by the Russian leader as well.
Putin has expressed his strong support for the visit of the Iraqi prime minister, emphasizing its timeliness and the expectation of productive discussions. He highlighted the long-standing, close, and trusting relationship between Moscow and Baghdad that has been maintained for many decades. Russia's priority, Putin noted, is to see Iraq in a state of stability, which would serve as the foundation for the country's economic and social development.
The Russian president pointed out that Iraq and Russia share a multitude of mutual interests, particularly in the energy sector. At the upcoming meeting with the Iraqi prime minister, Putin stated that they will address matters related to advancing economic cooperation and discuss issues concerning regional security and Iraq's internal stability.
About al-Sudani
Mohammed al-Sudani, born in 1970, has a notable history of political engagement in Iraq. He played a prominent role in the Shiite protests against Saddam Hussein's regime in 1991. Following the US-led coalition's invasion of Iraq in 2003, which led to the removal of Saddam Hussein, al-Sudani held various governmental positions at both local and central levels. In 2004, he became the mayor of al-Amara, the administrative center of Maysan Governorate in southeastern Iraq, and later served as the governor of the same province.
Al-Sudani continued his political career by heading the Ministry of Human Rights during Nouri al-Maliki's government from 2010 to 2014. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in Haider al-Abadi's cabinet from 2014 to 2018.
From 2014, al-Sudani was elected to the Council of Representatives, Iraq's unicameral parliament, representing the Dawa party. However, in 2020, amidst widespread anti-government protests in Iraq and the political turmoil stemming from Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's resignation, he parted ways with Dawa. Subsequently, al-Sudani established his own political party known as the Euphrates Movement. In the parliamentary elections held in October 2021, his party secured three seats in the Council of Representatives.
On October 13, 2022, al-Sudani was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Iraq by President Abdel Latif Rashid.
Middle East escalation
On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas crossed into Israeli territory after launching rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has characterized its incursion as a reaction to Israeli actions near the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem's Temple Mount. In response, Israel has declared a heightened state of readiness for conflict and is preparing to launch Operation Iron Swords. Ongoing clashes persist in the West Bank, and there have been exchanges of fire along the Lebanese border. The Israeli Defense Ministry has also announced its intent to impose a comprehensive blockade on the Gaza Strip.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS