Putin seeks to boost ties with Iraq
Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday pushed for closer energy and military cooperation with Iraq, seeking to rebuild ties that withered after Saddam Hussein's downfall and the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Putin said during the talks with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that Russia's oil companies are willing to expand their operations in Iraq. He urged al-Maliki to ease company registration procedures and simplify other requirements to help boost ties. (AP)
