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Fight against Islamic state

Iraq appreciates Russia’s support in freeing its territory from terrorists — minister

According to the foreign minister, the Iraqi army, self-defense forces, peshmerga units have one common goal - to oust all terrorists from the Iraqi territory

© AP Photo, File

BAGHDAD, February 11. /TASS/. Iraq aims to free its territory from terrorists and appreciates Russia’s support in this matter, Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said on Thursday.

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Russian official hopes cooperation with Iraq will help free Mosul from IS

Baghdad plans to boost cooperation with Russia in different spheres, al-Jafaari said at the session of the Russian-Iraqi inter-governmental commission co-chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin. "The years of 2014 and 2015 truly passed under the banner of fighting terrorism, and we appreciate the contribution of our friends to this fight," he added.

"The Iraqi government aims to defeat the Islamic State [terrorist organization banned in Russia]. The Iraqi army, self-defense forces, peshmerga units have one common goal - to oust all terrorists from the Iraqi territory," al-Jaafari said. He noted that terrorism is being aided "not only from the inside but also from the outside."

"In this regard, we respect and appreciate Russia’s positions and its support for territorial integrity and independence of Iraq. We appreciate the support Russia provides us with in the fight against those elements," the Iraqi foreign minister added.

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