Abadi Seeks Russian Help In Fight Against IS

Abadi and Medvedev in Moscow

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has met his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, during a visit to Moscow aimed at boosting cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

"We understand that the threat of terrorism is enveloping not just Iraq but the neighboring countries," Abadi told Medvedev on May 21.

"It evolves and takes new shapes, and we understand perfectly well that it requires heightened attention from Russia,” he added. “We expect more active cooperation in this direction."

Abadi was set to meet President Vladimir Putin later on May 21.

His visit comes as Islamic State (IS) militants captured the western Iraqi city of Ramadi.

Russia last year delivered Mi-28 attack helicopters to the Iraqi military.

Based on reporting by AFP and TASS