BAGHDAD, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih on Tuesday met with a visiting Russian delegation to discuss cooperation between the two countries and regional developments, a statement by the presidency office said.
During the meeting with the Russian delegation headed by Alexander Lavrentiev, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Syria, Salih "praised Russia's role in the fight against terrorism and its support for Iraq," the statement said.
He also stressed the need to end the suffering of the people in neighboring Syria and empowering them to find a political solution based on fighting terrorism and respecting their will of living a free and dignified life, the statement said.
For his part, Lavrentiev reiterated his country's support to the people of Iraq and its interest to boost friendly relations, according to the statement.
The two sides also discussed the developments in the region, and confirmed the need to adopt a positive and frank dialogue among all parties in order to resolve crises, it added.
On Monday, Lavrentiev arrived in Baghdad and held meetings with Iraq Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim, during which he expressed Russia's keenness to ensure Iraq's participation in the Astana conference as an observer.
Lavrentiev's visit came amid escalating tension in the Middle East, as the United States has increased its military activities in the region recently, citing a threat of Iranian attack.
