MOSCOW, July 24. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia intends to expand military-technical cooperation with Iraq, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.

“Military-technical cooperation between our countries develops successfully. The intergovernmental agreement proves its efficiency,” he said.

“We’re meeting with the Iraqi officials when the country faces difficulties,” Shoigu said.

“We support your efforts in fighting terrorism,” he said.

“We seek to relations with Iraq. This is our strategic priority,” Shoigu said.

Russia praises the dynamical development of relations and hopes for “further expansion of interaction”, he said.

“Today we’re planning to discuss the state of and prospects for cooperation, international security, further contracts and training of officers,” Shoigu said.

Iraqi Defense Minister Saadun Al-Dulaimi said the country sought to strengthen cooperation with Russia.

“It is not a secret that now Iraq is facing difficulties. We’re fighting terrorism,” he said.

“Counter-terrorism is the priority of the world community. When we fight terrorism on our territory, we feel like we protect the world community,” Al-Dulaimi said, adding, “Now the Iraqi army needs weapons for continuing the fight.