MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Iraq is Russia’s longtime partner and over the past two years bilateral trade turnover has grown ten-fold, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

"Iraq is our longtime and reliable partner in the region. Despite all the hardships in the world economy and difficulties in the region, our relations have been developing successfully," Putin said.

Although the total trade turnover is not that great, but over the past two years it has grown ten-fold, the Russian leader said.

Putin reminded that Russia was implementing major projects in Iraq involving Russian companies. Investments there are estimated at billions of dollars, the president said.

He also noted the development of the civilian, military and technical cooperation with Iraq. "We have a major agenda and we are glad to see you," Putin said.

The Iraqi prime minister arrived on his visit to Russia earlier on Thursday, saying this came despite the warning of "some forces" against the trip. The visit will last until May 23.