Mr al-Maliki briefed Mr Putin on military and political developments in Iraq and the measures the authorities are taking to combat the terrorist groups that have intensified their activity in the north of the country. The two leaders noted that the activities of extremists engaged in military operations in Syria have become cross-border in nature and are jeopardising the entire region’s security.
Mr Putin reiterated Russia’s full support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to liberate Iraqi territory from the terrorists’ hands as quickly as possible.
Mr Putin and Mr al-Maliki also discussed bilateral cooperation matters of mutual interest.