Russia is delivering arms to Iraqi Kurdistan on a schedule that is approved and coordinated with Baghdad authorities, Russia's Ambassador to Iraq Ilya Morgunov said.

"All issues regarding military deliveries to Iraq from the Russian side… are discussed with representatives of the federal Iraqi government in Baghdad or Moscow. The weapons are delivered to Iraqi customers as they are produced by Russian enterprises, in accordance with timelines outlined in contracts," Morgunov told RIA Novosti.

"If we're talking about deliveries free of charge to Iraqi Kurdistan in order to strengthen the capacity of the Kurdish Peshmerga self-defense forces, this is done in coordination with the Iraqi government in Baghdad, where Russian planes arrive for customs procedures and to obtain consent to proceed to Erbil. The Kurds are primarily supplied with small and medium firearms and ammunition," he added.

Russian companies could expand their presence in Iraqi Kurdistan and this matter was discussed at a meeting with Masoud Barzani and other top Kurdish officials, Russia's Ambassador said.

"Meetings have been held with Masoud Barzani, Issues were discussed regarding delegation exchange in 2016 and expanding the work of Russian companies on the territory of Iraqi Kurdistan," Morgunov told RIA Novosti, Sputnik reported.

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