Russia delivers the second batch of Mi-28 helicopters to Iraq; Belarus to receive US$ 450 million in loan from Russia; President Putin calls on G8 leaders to share responsibility for future development; Japan calls for Russia taking a lead in G8; Gazprom
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    • DECEMBER 30-JANNUARY 5

    According to reports, Russia has delivered the second batch of thirteen Mi-28 NE helicopters to Iraq. It said the helicopters will be used in the counter-terrorism operations in the Anbar Province in the west of the country. Iraq will receive a total of 40 Mi-28NE and Mi-35 helicopters to be used for guarding the border and fighting terrorists. The 4.2 billion U.S. dollar contract for their supply was signed during the Iraqi president’s visit to Moscow in 2012.1

    Reports noted that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed an order which will see Russia give a loan of US$ 450 million to Belarus. The loan’s interest rate is four per cent per annum. 2

    According to reports, in the backdrop of Russia assuming Presidency of G8 from January 1, President Putin has called on leaders of the Group of Eight countries to share responsibility for future global development. He suggested that the G8 members should develop comprehensive approaches to control the most critical global challenges and risks. 3

    According to reports, Japan’s Foreign Ministry has called on Russia to take a lead in events of G8 which aim to tackle key global problems of 2014. 4

    Reports noted that Deputy Chairman of the Board of Gazprom Alexander Medvedev has said that the company is ready to participate in developing Japan's internal energy system. This includes designing and building gas pipelines. At present, japan sources around 9 per cent of its gas imports from Russia. 5

    According to reports, Georgian President Georgy Margvelashvili has said that Georgia will continue its policy of normalising relations with Russia and “do everything” to reduce political tensions in bilateral relations. 6

    Reports noted that The Russian government has prepared a resolution to submit a draft law to the State Duma, to ratify the Russian-Chinese agreement on easing citizens’ trips. Russia and China had signed the agreement in March 22, 2013 in order to create more favourable conditions for developing and strengthening contacts between citizens of both countries. The agreement envisages introducing visa free formalities for holders of service passports for the term of 30 days in addition to visa free trips for holders of diplomatic passports. 7

    Reports noted that from January 1, 2014 Russian citizens do not need to obtain visas for visiting South Korea. The two countries had signed an agreement on mutual lifting visa requirements on November 13, 2013 in Seoul. A visa-free regime is available for citizens of the two countries for a term of 60 days. However, visas still remain for those travelling for studies, work or for permanent stay. 8

    Reports noted that Presidents of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Francois Hollande have agreed to step up cooperation in fighting terrorism. 9

    In other developments, according to reports, President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia intends to maintain constructive co-operation with the United States since he believes that the two countries can make tangible contributions to global stability through joint efforts. 10

    Russia will deploy 2 new radar stations of the missile warning system in Kaliningrad and Irkutsk regions in 2014. Moreover, work to set up radar stations will also continue in the Krasnoyarsk, Altai, Orenburg and Arctic regions. 11

    Deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy Viktor Borsuk has said that the navy is expected to get some 40 ships including nuclear submarines and support ships in 2014. 12

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