Russia tries to attain a friendly relationship with the people of Kurdistan Region and this is not intended to instigate internal conflict but to develop bilateral ties normally, Putin said during a press conference in Moscow.

Putin added that Moscow appreciates the Kurdish people's quest to protect their rights. "However, Russia supports relations with both the federal government in Baghdad and the government in Erbil."

He further expressed his hope that all projects in the Iraqi territories will be achieved and go right with the participation of Russia.

Russian state oil major Rosneft in May signed a deal to help Kurdistan develop its gas reserves and build a gas pipeline, expanding the company’s dominance in the energy sector of Iraq’s semi-autonomous region.

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