National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji discussed with the Russian Ambassador to Baghdad, Elbrus Kotrashev, the recent escalation in the region and the situations on the Lebanese and Palestinian arenas. The media office of the National Security Adviser stated in a statement: "Al-Araji received the ambassador in his office today, Thursday, and discussed with him the recent escalation in the region and the situations on the Lebanese and Palestinian arenas and what may portend the expansion of the conflict in the region and the world, and the importance of the international community taking its role in consolidating peace and sparing the region the scourges and destruction of wars." The two sides stressed: "The brutal crimes and genocide in Gaza and Lebanon must stop." The meeting witnessed a review of Iraqi-Russian relations and an emphasis on the importance of strengthening them through cooperation and partnership in issues of common interest. Source: National Iraqi News Agency