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Putin, Iraqi PM to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional issues — Kremlin

The sides are also expected to exchange views on the topical issues of international agenda, namely the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa, the statement said

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi EPA/HADI MIZBAN/AP/POOL

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

© EPA/HADI MIZBAN/AP/POOL

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Iraqi speaker highlights Russia’s role in the Middle East

MOSCOW, May 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues with Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Thursday, the Kremlin press service has said.

"The upcoming meeting is due to focus on boosting a whole range of bilateral cooperation, including in the trade and investment as well as energy spheres," the press service said.

The sides are also expected to exchange views on the topical issues of international agenda, namely the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa, the statement said.

The Iraqi prime minister will arrive in Moscow on a visit at the invitation of the Russian president.

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"The UN history has precedents when states were not admitted on their first try. The number of attempts is not limited," Nadezhda Sokolova said

Iran intends to bolster military cooperation with Russia — envoy to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

Algeria pledges to return to Palestinian membership issue — envoy

"The overwhelming support for Palestine’s membership makes it crystal clear that the State of Palestine is worthy of its rightful place among member states of the United Nations," Amar Bendjama said

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Military base near Iran’s Isfahan hit following attack — newspaper

The sources said that Iranian forces managed to destroy several small drones near the city of Tabriz, about 800 kilometers from Isfahan

US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

"In any case, whatever the modality of providing this aid, de facto it is about provoking Ukraine into further hostilities down to the last Ukrainian, putting guarantted money in the pockets of the US," Dmitry Peskov said

Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

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Nuclear sites in Iran’s Isfahan province are safe — Tasnim agency

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Ahmad Haghtalab pointed out that the Iranian Army and other security forces protect Iranian nuclear facilities using the most advanced equipment, so "national nuclear centers are completely safe"

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US names lack of reforms as reason to block Palestinian membership resolution

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West, Kiev indulge in nuclear blackmail by demanding control of ZNPP — Russian MFA

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Russian forces destroy Ukrainian command post, two S-300 missile launchers over day

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Palestinian president says US veto immoral, runs counter to global community’s will

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EU plans to invest first profits from Russian assets in military aid to Kiev

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Ukrainian military under constant gunfire by Russian troops near Urozhainoye, says POW

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US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

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Germany fails to present evidence in case of espionage suspects — Russian embassy

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