| 2007: Iraq owes Russia 13 billion dollars |
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September 21, 2007 Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, said that the Iraqi debt owed to Russia hit 13 billion dollars. Zebari stressed during a press conference that talks on the removal of part of these debts do not affect the prospects of Russian companies working in Iraq. It is noteworthy that Russia pledged to write off 80% of the debt owed by Iraq according to the decisions of the Paris Club. Zebari explained that Russian officials are confident that the process will include writing off 90% of the debt and expressed his hope that the debt issue will be settled before the end of this year. He said the two sides will sign a memorandum of understanding in this regard. Zebari stressed Iraq's desire to develop relations with Russia in various areas. Zebari, who is on a business visit to Moscow, handed over a letter from Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and he held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and the Minister of Energy, Viktor Khristenko |