"We are ready to continue collaboration in different fields, especially in the military field," Lavrov told reporters at a news conference. "It is an important element to maintain the sovereignty of Iraq and unity of its land."
The Iraqi military was dismantled and disbanded shortly after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein, and it has been taking steps to rebuild ahead of this year's American pullout.
In November 2010, Iraq took delivery of 8 Russian-made multipurpose helicopters in a $156 million deal.
Iraq’s fleet of multipurpose helicopters now includes 8 Mi-171Es and 16 Mi-17 helicopters.
It has also signed an order for 140 American M1A1 Abrams tanks, and inaugurated the first in a fleet of 15 high-speed U.S.-built patrol boats in September.
Iraq was on the verge of signing a $900 million deal with Washington to purchase F-16 fighter jets earlier this year, but diverted the funds to food for the poor amid protests over weak public services.
The 45,000 US troops currently in Iraq must withdraw by the end of the year, according to the terms of a bilateral security pact.
Source: AFP
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