Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani embarked on an official visit to Russia, marking the first of its kind in over a decade. His arrival in Moscow was met with great anticipation as he was received by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and Special Presidential Representative on the Middle East, Mikhail Bogdanov, and a high-ranking Iraqi delegation.

During his visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Al-Sudani is scheduled to engage in crucial talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to encompass a wide range of topics, including regional security, Middle Eastern affairs, logistics, and energy-related issues. The visit underscores the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

This historic visit comes on the heels of an invitation extended to Prime Minister Al-Sudani to visit the White House and meet with President Joe Biden, a significant development in Iraq-U.S. relations. This gesture demonstrates the growing international recognition of Iraq's role in regional stability.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously visited Baghdad in February, where he held meetings with top Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Al-Sudani. These exchanges have contributed to the expansion of economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, between the two nations.

Iraq initially maintained a neutral stance regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, as international pressure mounted, Iraq ultimately supported a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in February, calling for an end to the conflict. This reflected Iraq's commitment to international peace and stability.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani's visit to Russia holds the promise of strengthening diplomatic ties, fostering economic cooperation, and contributing to regional stability in the Middle East.