MOSCOW — Russia intends to conclude a major energy deal in Iraq.

"In the first half of August, I will visit Baghdad," Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said on July 31.

In August, the Iraqi Oil Ministry was expected to reopen bids for West Qurna-2, with oil reserves estimated at six billion barrels.

Officials said Russia, which wrote off $12 billion worth of debts to Iraq, was promised that LukOil would be a key bidder in any tender.

They said Iraq would seek investments of $4 billion.

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