Iraqi Foreign Minister Arrives In Moscow

20 November 2005 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar al-Zebari has arrived in Moscow for talks on efforts to promote constructive ties between the two countries.
Al-Zebari was scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the second day of his visit, 21 November.

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mikhail Kamynin, said in a statement that Russia expects al-Zebari's visit "to add new impetus to the development of traditionally friendly Russian-Iraqi relations."

The spokesman said Russia was interested in stepping up its participation in the restoration of "peace, security, and normal life" in Iraq.

Russia, which enjoyed extensive Soviet-era ties with Baghdad, opposed the U.S.-led war on Iraq.

(AFP/dpa)