Putin's message appeared to be a direct lobbying effort to help Russian companies get more access to Iraqi infrastructure projects.

"Our companies are ready to increase their contribution to the restoration and modernization of the economic infrastructure of Iraq, primarily in the energy, oil and gas sectors where we have accumulated rich experience and made good arrangements," Putin said.
He singled out the development of the second stage of the West Qurna oil field, and the upgrade to the Kirkuk-Banias oil pipeline. "I hope that the positive approach of Russian business to the development of cooperation will receive proper support from the Iraqi leadership."

OAO Lukoil, one of Russia's largest private oil companies had a prewar deal to develop Qurna, but Iraq was under United Nations sanctions at the time. The contract has been hamstrung since the U.S.-led invasion, which Russia adamantly opposed, and Moscow has repeatedly tried to resume Russian operations at West Qurna in particular.

Russia in February agreed to write off US$12 billion (€8.25 billion) or 93 percent of Iraq's US$12.9 billion (€8.87 billion) debt to Moscow, a gesture aimed at helping Russian companies win contracts in Iraq.

Iraq has done little publicly to return the gesture. A day after Russia's debt
announcement, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said during a trip to Moscow that Russian companies would not get any special advantage over companies from other countries.